Immigrants already in the U.S. who decide to move are disproportionately heading for Sun Belt metros, according to a new study by the Bush Institute.
Why it matters: In recent decades, immigrants in the U.S. have increasingly chosen to live in smaller cities and more suburban areas — spreading demographic and social change across the country.
By the numbers: Immigrants who decide to move within the U.S. gravitate toward fast-growing, suburban counties in metro areas with relatively affordable housing and policies that help businesses grow, according to the report, which analyzed foreign born populations in the U.S. between 2010-2020.
What to watch: Top destinations for newly arrived immigrants like New York and Miami also rank poorly as places where immigrants thrive, according to the report, which measured immigrant well-being by looking at a composite of several factors — including housing costs, income and education.
Between the lines: The study argues state and local governments should adopt policies that are more welcoming toward immigrants.
The top 10 metro areas for immigrants' well-being:

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