The profile of immigrants in Illinois has changed dramatically over the past twelve years. Although Chicago has been the main immigrant destination in Illinois for most of the 20th Century, a remarkable shift in this pattern has occurred. Immigration to Chicago continues to be significant, but immigrants are now also settling in a range of locales, including Chicago’s inner and outer suburbs, smaller Illinois cities and towns, and rural farming regions. Many of these areas have undergone particularly notable demographic and cultural transformations. Immigrant settlement patterns follow the path to the American dream. Immigrants live where they are needed in the Illinois labor force. They work, pay taxes, and raise families. Once naturalized, they vote.

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