Population Division Working Paper #68 

GUIDE TO INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION STATISTICS:

The Sources, Collection, and Processing of Foreign-Born Population

Data at the U.S. Census Bureau

Joseph M. Costanzo 

Cynthia J. Davis 

Nolan Malone 

October 2002 

Disclaimer 

This paper reflects the results of research undertaken by Census Bureau staff. It has 

undergone a more limited review than official Census Bureau publications. This paper has 

been prepared to inform interested parties of on-going research and to encourage discussion. 

Abstract 

This report presents an overview of information available from the U.S. Census Bureau about 

the U.S. foreign-born population. Information about the foreign born is available from a 

variety of sources including: decennial censuses, current surveys, and demographic estimates 

based on administrative sources. Specifically, this report describes surveys fielded by the 

Bureau, the international migration-related items covered by the surveys, and the postcollection processing of these data. 
International Migration Data Guide 

Table of Contents Page # 

Introduction............................................................................................................ 3

Data Collection (Describing Survey Instruments)................................................................. 3

• Decennial Census.............................................................................................. 4

• American Community Survey (ACS)....................................................................... 5

• Current Population Survey (CPS)......................................................................... 6

• Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP)................................................. 7

• National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)............................................................... 8

• New York City Housing Vacancy Survey (NYCHVS).................................................. 9

• American Housing Survey (AHS)......................................................................... 9

Data Processing (Editing Survey Data).............................................................................. 10

Editing............................................................................................................... 11

Scenarios (Responses)............................................................................................ 11

• Puerto Rican-Born & Naturalized U.S. Citizen......................................................... 11

• U.S.-born & No Citizenship Given & Year of Entry Given........................................... 12

• China-born & 1970 Year of Entry & 1975 Year of Birth (age equals 25).......................... 13

Conclusion............................................................................................................... 15

Appendix 

A. Comparison of 1990 and 2000 Decennial Censuses and ACS 2000/C2SS:

Foreign-Born Related Items..................................................................................... 16

B. Tables 

1. International Migration Items Covered by Surveys at the U.S. Census Bureau.................. 21

2. Questions Asked in the 2000 Decennial Census Related to International Migration

and the Foreign Born....................................................................................... 23

3. Questions Asked in the 2002 Current Population Survey (CPS) Related to International

Migration and the Foreign Born.......................................................................... 24

4a. Questions Asked in the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) Migration History

Topical Module Related to International Migration and the Foreign Born, 2000 Panel, Wave

2............................................................................................... 25

4b. Questions Asked in the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) Related

to International Migration and the Foreign Born, 2001 Methods Panel, Wave 1............... 26

5. Questions Asked in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Related to International

Migration and the Foreign Born.......................................................................... 27

6. Questions Asked in the 2002 New York City Housing Vacancy Survey (NYCHVS) Related to

International Migration and the Foreign Born...................................................... 28

7. Questions Asked in the 2001 American Housing Survey (AHS) Related

to International Migration and the Foreign Born...................................................... 29

C. References.......................................................................................................... 30

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International Migration Data Guide 

International Migration Statistics Guide 

This guide is an attempt to inform the user community of the variety of data sources 

on the foreign-born population and international migration available from the U.S. 

Census Bureau. It is also an attempt to provide a “behind the scenes” view of the 

processing that takes place, affecting the data released to the public. 

Information about the foreign born is available from a variety of sources including: 

decennial censuses, current surveys, and demographic estimates based on 

administrative sources. 

Introduction 

In the United States, federal statistics on international migration are produced primarily 

by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), and the 

U.S. Department of State. 

The Census Bureau collects these data through its decennial censuses and numerous 

surveys of the U.S. population.

1 The INS collects international migration data from 

several administrative records such as the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (OF155, U.S. State Department) for new arrivals, and the Memorandum of Creation of 

Record of Lawful Permanent Residence (I-181, INS) for persons adjusting immigrant 

status.2 

The Census Bureau defines the foreign-born population as “people who are not U.S. 

citizens at birth.” In contrast to the foreign born, the native population, as defined by 

the Census Bureau, refers to “people who were either born in the United States or a 

U.S. Island Area, such as Puerto Rico, or who were born abroad of a U.S. citizen 

parent.” (Lollock, 2001) 

Data Collection (Describing Survey Instruments) 

Traditionally, users of Census Bureau data rely on decennial census and Current 

Population Survey (CPS) data for detailed information on the U.S. foreign-born 

population. 

1 U.S. decennial censuses are fielded in the year ending zero of each decade. The U.S. resident

population has been enumerated through a census since 1790; the 1850 decennial census was the first

census in which data were collected on the nativity (place of birth) of the population. Census 2000

marked the 22nd decennial enumeration of the United States. For more information on the history of the

U.S. census, see Bohme, 1989 and Gauthier, 2002. For more information on historical census statistics

of the foreign-born population of the United States, see Gibson & Lennon, 1999. 2 For an evaluation of INS data, see M.J. Greenwood et al., 1991.

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International Migration Data Guide 

Less frequently used, but in many ways equally useful, are other Census Bureaumaintained surveys including: the American Community Survey (ACS), the Survey of 

Income and Program Participation (SIPP), the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), 

the New York Housing Vacancy Survey (NYCHVS), and the American Housing Survey 

(AHS). (See Table 1 for a detailed listing of all survey instruments discussed in this 

paper.) 

In addition to the surveys detailed here, the Census Bureau currently provides nationallevel projections of the U.S. resident population by nativity through 2100. The Census 

Bureau has also provided national-level estimates by nativity for the 1990 to 1999 

period. 3 We are currently researching the feasibility of providing national-level annual 

estimates of the population by nativity for the post-2000 period. 

Decennial Census (Census 1990 & Census 2000) 

Using various methods, the Census Bureau maintains data on the foreign-born 

population. In both the 1990 and 2000 decennial censuses, international migrationrelated data have been collected for the entire U.S. resident population, including 

people in group quarters.4 

Questions of place of birth, citizenship status, year of entry, ancestry, residence five 

years ago, and language spoken at home are included in both the 1990 and 2000 

decennial censuses.5 Table 2 illustrates the migration-related items found in the 2000 

decennial census.6 

A notable omission from the most recent censuses is parental nativity (birthplace of 

parents), asked each census year since 1870, but discontinued after the 1970 census.7 

Starting in the 1980 census, a question on ancestry (based on self-identification) 

replaced the question on birthplace of parents. (Gibson and Lennon, 1999; Bohme, 

1989) 

3 See U.S. Census Bureau (2001) for more information. 4 The U.S. Census Bureau classifies all people not living in households as living in group quarters.

Institutional group quarters are formally authorized, supervised care or custody (e.g., nursing homes);

noninstitutional group quarters are other forms of group quarter living arrangements (e.g., college

dormitories). 5 These items are sample items. In other words, these questions are only asked of approximately onesixth of the U.S. resident population, on the census “long form.” (See U.S. Census Bureau, 1998 for

additional information. 6

 The Census Bureau alone does not select the items to be asked in the decennial census. Questions

that appear in the decennial census require Congressional approval and balance the need for data

against the response burden to the public. The Census Bureau recommends to Congress the subject

items to be asked. Items are classified as either “mandatory,” “required,” or “programmatic.” Mandatory

items are subjects required (in the decennial census) by Federal law. Required items are subjects required

by Federal law. Programmatic items are subjects used for Federal program planning, implementation,

evaluation, or to provide legal evidence—not required by Federal law. (U.S. Census Bureau, 1998) 7 The 1870 census asked if the parents were foreign born. The 1880 census was the first to elicit a

“place of birth,” i.e., country of birth.

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International Migration Data Guide 

To date, the decennial census provides the sole means by which to study small groups 

of the foreign-born population at the national and detailed subnational levels (i.e., 

state, county, and subcounty). 

The Census 2000 questionnaires were translated into five languages (Spanish, Chinese, 

Vietnamese, Korean, and Tagalog). To assist individuals who are more proficient in 

languages other than English, language guides were provided in 49 other languages. 

American Community Survey (ACS)8 

In 2003, the Census Bureau anticipates full implementation of the American 

Community Survey (ACS) in every county of the United States.9 The survey will 

eventually include an annual sample of three million housing units, including group 

quarters populations. Data (responses) are collected by mail and Census Bureau staff 

follow up with those who do not respond. 

The ACS is intended to replace the census long form, providing timely demographic, 

housing, social, and economic data every year for all states, as well as for all cities, 

counties, metropolitan areas, and population groups of 65,000 people or more. Multiyear averages will be produced for geographic areas or population groups of fewer 

than 65,000. (U.S. Census Bureau, May 2002) 

One important difference between the ACS and the decennial census involves the 

definition of residence. The ACS concept of residence (“current residence”) differs from 

the decennial census concept of “usual residence” (place where a person lives and 

sleeps most of the time or the place they consider their usual residence). “Current 

residence” requires that a person only have one residence at any point in time; 

however, their residence does not have to be in the same place throughout the year 

for the ACS. A two-month same residence rule was established for the ACS. Given the 

seasonal movement of some migrant groups, such conceptual differences as “current” 

or “usual” residence may affect whether or not a person is counted in a particular 

location at a particular time. 

The foreign-born related questions asked in Census 2000 are asked as well for the ACS. 

(See Table 2.) The annual release of data, available at detailed subnational levels of 

geography, provides a wealth of information never before available in an ongoing and 

timely manner from either decennial censuses or smaller sample surveys. 

The ACS paper version of the questionnaire is currently only available in English; 

Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) and Computer Assisted Personal 

Interviews (CAPI) are conducted both in English and Spanish, where needed. 

8 See Appendix A for a comparison of decennial censuses 1990 and 2000, and ACS 2000 foreign-born

related items (Place of birth, Citizenship Status, and Year of entry). 9 The Census 2000 Supplementary Survey (C2SS) was fielded in 2000 to evaluate the anticipated

implementation of a national ACS in 2003. The C2SS was an operational feasibility test to collect long

form-type data at the same time but separate from the decennial census.

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International Migration Data Guide 

Current Population Survey (CPS) 

In addition to the decennial census, national surveys such as the Current Population 

Survey (CPS) regularly ask questions useful to the analysis of international migration. 

The CPS is an interviewer-administered, monthly survey of approximately 50,000 

households.10 The main purpose of the CPS is to collect information on the labor force 

characteristics of the U.S. population—specifically, to assess monthly unemployment 

changes. 

Two sets of questions, the basic monthly questions and the supplements, are asked of 

respondents. The basic CPS collects labor force and demographic information about 

the civilian noninstitutional population.11 

Throughout the 1980s, the Census Bureau collected intercensal data on the foreign 

born by including supplements to the CPS. These supplements were fielded in April 

1983, June 1986, June 1988, and November 1989. 

Since 1994, the basic CPS also includes questions on nativity of respondent and 

parental nativity, citizenship status, and year of entry into the United States. The 

March (Annual Demographic) supplement includes questions about poverty status, 

money income received, health insurance, household and family characteristics, marital 

status, and geographic mobility in the previous 12 months (including moves from 

abroad).12 Beginning in 1998, the March supplement has included a question 

identifying the main reason for moving. 

For studying the foreign born, researchers rely primarily on the March CPS data due to 

the increased sample size of about 2,500 eligible housing units containing at least one 

individual of Hispanic origin. (Schmidley, 2001) Because the foreign-born related items 

are located on the basic (monthly) questionnaire, studies of the foreign born can also 

be conducted using averaged monthly files. Table 3 features the international 

migration-related items regularly found in the CPS since 1994. 

Important differences exist between estimates of the population from the decennial 

10 Congress has appropriated additional funds to the Census Bureau expanding the CPS sample size to 

yield more reliable state estimates of the number of low-income children without health insurance. The 

expansion, which became effective with the official release of July 2001 data, increased the monthly 

sample from 50,000 to 60,000 eligible households. (See Mills (2000) and U.S. Census Bureau (2002) for 

additional information on SCHIP (State Children’s Health Insurance Program) and the CPS sample 

expansion.) 

11 The civilian noninstitutional population includes persons 16 years of age and older residing in the 50 

States and the District of Columbia who are not inmates of institutions (e.g., penal and mental facilities, 

homes for the aged), and who are not on active duty in the Armed Forces. (U.S. Census Bureau, 1996) 12 Other regular supplements include: Housing Vacancy, Contingent Workers, Veterans, Voting, Internet 

& Computer Use, Child Support, Fertility, School Enrollment, and Food Security. Each supplement 

provides additional information about a subject matter of interest to the sponsoring agency (e.g., the 

Bureau of Labor Statistics or the National Center for Education Statistics). 

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International Migration Data Guide 

census and those from the March CPS. While the universe for the census is the entire 

resident population of the U.S., the universe for the March CPS is the civilian 

noninstitutional population plus Armed Forces living off post or with their families on 

post. Foreign-born individuals in nursing homes or prisons will not be included in the 

CPS count as they are housed in facilities not covered by the CPS. 

Also, whereas the CPS is an interviewer-administered survey (in-person or by 

telephone), the census is primarily a mail-out/mail-back format. In the intervieweradministered format, respondents may ask the interviewer for his/her opinion as to 

how they should reply to a given question. The interviewer has been trained to 

provide clarification where applicable. 

Finally, CPS population estimates are adjusted for undercoverage using the most recent 

decennial census. Current CPS estimates of the foreign born (through 2001) are 

adjusted to the 1990 census, and are, therefore, not directly comparable to the 

foreign-born population estimates from Census 2000, ACS 2000, or the Census 2000 

Supplementary Survey (C2SS)13--the latter two surveys having been controlled to 

Census 2000.14 

The CPS instrument is currently available in both English and Spanish. When needed, 

Spanish speaking cases are send for CATI interviewing to a telephone facility in Tucson, 

Arizona. 

13 The Census 2000 Supplementary Survey (C2SS) is a Decennial Census program designed to 

demonstrate the feasibility of collecting long form type information at the same time as, but separate 

from, the Decennial Census. (See U.S. Census Bureau, June 2001 for more information on the C2SS.) 14 Beginning with the release of 2002 data, population estimates from Census-sponsored supplements 

of the CPS will reflect survey controls adjusted for undercoverage based on Census 2000. 

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International Migration Data Guide 

Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) 

The Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) is a national longitudinal survey 

of the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population, primarily collecting data on the 

source and amount of income, labor force information, and program participation and 

eligibility. 

The SIPP survey design is a continuous series of national panels, the duration of which 

has ranged from two-and-a-half to four years. Questions are asked in waves with 

each wave administered every four months. Each panel follows the same household 

across waves, as well as people who move out to form separate households after 

Wave 1. The sample size has ranged from approximately 14,000 to 36,700 

households. (U.S. Census Bureau, December 2000)15 

Since 1984, the SIPP has included a Migration History Topical Module asking 

respondents when they moved to their current residence, the location of any previous 

residence, and place of birth. For respondents born in a foreign country, questions are 

asked on citizenship status and year of entry. During earlier years, additional questions 

were asked including parents' place of birth and reasons for moving. 

The migration history questions are asked once per panel of each respondent in the 

household ages 15 and older (during Wave 2, after four months).

16 Beginning with the 

1996 Panel (Wave 2) of the Migration History Topical Module, several new international 

migration-related questions such as immigration status, adjustment of status, and time 

of adjustment of status have been added.17 (See Table 4a.) 

These are the only sources of such detailed international migration-related questions 

available from the Census Bureau. However, the sample size, considerably smaller 

than that of the CPS, restricts the usefulness of detailed analyses of the foreign born 

beyond establishing nativity and citizenship status of the respondents. 

In 2001, the Bureau tested a series of questions to identify citizenship status in the core 

questionnaire of SIPP. The purpose was to screen for individuals not born in the United 

States or U.S. Island Areas (e.g., Puerto Rico and Guam), and respondents were asked 

questions regarding their place of birth, citizenship status and how it was obtained 

(e.g., birth to U.S. citizen abroad or through naturalization), and whether or not their 

parents were U.S. citizens at the time of their (respondent’s) birth. Many of the 

questions are comparable to those currently asked in the CPS. (See Table 4b.) 

The SIPP instrument is currently available in both English and Spanish.18 

15 The pre-1996 sample sizes were around 20,000 households or less, whereas the more recent panels

maintained samples closer to 40,000 households.

16 Prior to 1986, the Topical Module was asked during Wave 7. 17 These changes were incorporated due to a request from the Congressional Budget Office. 18 The core questionnaire was translated for the 1996 Panel, Wave 1; the topical modules were

translated for the 1996 Panel, Wave 6.

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International Migration Data Guide 

National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 

The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) collects data on amount and distribution 

of illness, its effects in terms of disability and chronic impairments, and the kind of 

health services people receive. The sample covers approximately 71,000 households 

per year, with an oversampling of households with Blacks or Hispanics. 

The NHIS core questionnaire includes items on place of birth, citizenship status, year of 

entry, and length of U.S. residence. This is the only Census Bureau survey that asks a 

residence duration-type question in this form.19 (See Table 5.) 

In 2000, the NHIS added a Cancer Supplement including a Hispanic Acculturation 

section. This section includes parental nativity questions as well as several English 

proficiency and foreign language-related items. 

Spanish translated instruments have been provided since 1998. 

New York City Housing Vacancy Survey (NYCHVS) 

The New York City Housing Vacancy Survey (NYCHVS) is used to determine the 

vacancy rate for New York City's rental stock, and to measure the quality and quantity 

of housing and the demographic characteristics of the city's residents. 

The sample includes approximately 18,000 units selected from the 1990 census 

address list for New York City. The survey is conducted every three years. (U.S. Census 

Bureau, February 2002) 

As for international migration-related items, the NYCHVS questionnaire previously 

included only place of birth and parental nativity. The 1999 NYCHVS survey introduced 

additional questions including year of entry, “immigrant status20,” and year of move 

into New York City. These questions continue to be asked of each householder in the 

2002 survey. (See Table 6.) 

Currently, no Spanish translation is available for this Paper and Pencil Interview (PAPI) 

survey. 

American Housing Survey (AHS) 

The American Housing Survey (AHS) collects data on the nation’s housing, including 

recent movers. The AHS consists of a national survey (AHS-N) and surveys of selected 

metropolitan areas (AHS-MS). The AHS is well-suited for analyzing the flow of 

19 In the other surveys, length of U.S. residence is ascertained from a year of entry question. 20 The question reads, “Did...move to the United States as an immigrant?” 

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International Migration Data Guide 

households through housing.21 (U.S. Census Bureau, September 2001) The national 

sample covers approximately 55,000 homes and is conducted in odd-numbered years. 

The Metropolitan Survey (AHS-MS) is conducted in 41 metropolitan areas on a rotating 

basis in even-numbered years. 

The AHS includes questions about reasons for moving and the location of previous 

residence. It should be noted, however, that the response option for foreign locations 

of previous residence is restricted to simply “different nation.” The AHS collected place 

of birth, citizenship status, and year of entry information for the first time in 2001. The 

items (questions and response options) are similar to those found in the CPS. (See 

Table 7.) 

Currently, no Spanish translation is available. 

Data Processing (Editing Survey Data) 

Once data are collected from the field, the various surveys undergo a series of data 

processing tasks. The objective of these data processing tasks is to generate accurate 

and organized microdata in preparation of their final release to the user community. 

The key tasks of data processing are: data capture, reformatting, review, cleaning, 

editing, imputation, weighting, and generating work tables.22 

Most surveys at the Census Bureau follow a similar processing scheme: 

1) The data are captured or received from either paper or computer-assisted 

instruments (CAI) and keyed and coded by both manual and automated 

operations; 

2) The unedited data are reformatted into more usable formats, such as SAS data 

sets or Oracle databases; 

3) The reformatted data are given a preliminary review (for data layout, 

reasonableness, outlying cases) by subject matter specialists; 

4) The reviewed, reformatted data are cleaned and reviewed for consistency; 

5) The cleaned, unedited data are edited; imputation takes place based on subject 

matter-specific edit specifications; 

6) The imputed data set values are weighted based on sample structure creating a 

final microdata file; 

7) The final microdata file serves as the source for generating working tables. 

21 The AHS returns to the same housing units year after year to gather data. 22 Although each of these steps will be mentioned in this guide, the focus here is on the editing task—

how the Census Bureau treats responses that are either in conflict or are missing.

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International Migration Data Guide 

Although similar data processing steps are taken across surveys at the Bureau, 

important differences exist. Users of these data are advised to keep in mind differences 

in: 

• Questionnaire design (question/response sequencing) 

• Sample design (frames, size, changes) 

• Format (self-enumerated/interviewer-administered; PAPI/CAPI/CATI) 

• Universe (total U.S. resident population; civilian non-institutionalized 

population) 

• Residence status (usual residence; current residence)23 

These differences help explain some of the variations in the output from these data 

sources. 

Editing 

Editing consists of modifying or adding information to cases for which either conflicting 

or no information was given. 

The editing techniques used by the Bureau are generally consistent across instruments, 

however, important differences exist. For some surveys, such as the National Health 

Interview Survey (NHIS), the Census Bureau provides none of the data processing work. 

This work is performed by the survey’s sponsor, the National Center for Health 

Statistics (NCHS). 

In this section, each instrument’s processing is described, particular attention being 

paid to editing data related to the foreign born. For each of the instruments discussed 

below, scenarios are provided that necessitate subject matter (i.e., nativity)-specific 

edits. Across surveys, in most instances responses to questions on place of birth 

determine edited values for other nativity-related items (e.g., citizenship status). 

These scenarios are by no means exhaustive of all possible data issues addressed 

during editing. They are meant to provide users with an example of how conflicting 

and missing information are treated across surveys. 

The scenarios shown here involve the following conflicting (or missing) responses: 

1) Puerto Rican-born & naturalized U.S. citizen 

2) U.S.-born & no citizenship given & year of entry given 

3) China-born, 1970 year of entry, 1975 year of birth (age=25) 

Puerto Rican-born & Naturalized U.S. citizen: Scenario 1 

23 Definitions of residence were previously discussed in the Data Collection (Describing Survey 

Instruments) section of this guide. 

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International Migration Data Guide 

In this scenario when asked for their place of birth, the respondent indicates that they 

are born in Puerto Rico (a U.S. Island Area, USIA). In the same interview, the 

respondent indicates that they are a U.S. citizen through naturalization when asked 

about their citizenship status. These responses are not in agreement because any 

person born in Puerto Rico (or another U.S. Island Area) is a U.S. citizen at birth. 

Naturalization is any award of citizenship conferred on a person after birth. 

• Decennial census (Census 2000) - Place of birth determines citizenship status; 

Citizenship status becomes U.S. citizen, born in Puerto Rico. 

• American Community Survey (ACS) – Same editing procedure as Census 2000.24 

• Current Population Survey (CPS) - Improbable scenario in CAI environment; 

citizenship status question is not asked of U.S. or USIA-born respondents. Place of 

birth determines citizenship status; citizenship status becomes U.S. citizen, born in 

Puerto Rico. 

• Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) - Improbable scenario in CAI 

environment; citizenship status question is not asked of U.S. or USIA-born 

respondents. Place of birth determines citizenship status; citizenship status 

becomes U.S. citizen, born in Puerto Rico. 

• National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) – Place of birth determines citizenship 

status; Citizenship status becomes U.S. citizen, born in Puerto Rico. All persons 

born in Puerto Rico are coded as “2” on the "CITIZEN" variable, in order to indicate 

that they are U.S. citizens by virtue of their birth in a U.S. Island Area. On the public 

use CITIZENP variable, Puerto Ricans are coded as “1”, which is equivalent to “Yes, 

citizen of the United States”. (Note: Information provided by NCHS.) 

• New York City Housing Vacancy Survey (NYCHVS) - Impossible scenario in NYCHVS; 

citizenship status question is not asked of respondents. 

• American Housing Survey (AHS) - Same editing procedure as CPS.25 

U.S.-born & No Citizenship Given & Year of Entry Given: Scenario 2 

In this scenario when asked for their place of birth, the respondent indicates that they 

are born in the United States. They also indicate a year of entry into the United States, 

and do not provide information on their citizenship status. For this scenario, the edits 

must address both the missing citizenship status information and the conflicting place 

of birth and year of entry responses. A person born in the United States should not 

provide a year of entry into the U.S. Year of entry implies that a person has come to 

24 In most cases, ACS editing procedures use Census 2000 specifications. 25 AHS editing procedures use CPS specifications. 

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International Migration Data Guide 

the U.S. at some point after their birth. This question is usually asked of people born 

outside the United States regardless of their citizenship status at the time of birth. 

• Decennial census (Census 2000) - Place of birth determines citizenship status; 

citizenship status becomes U.S. citizen, born in the United States. Place of birth 

determines validity of year of entry; year of entry is “not in universe” and, therefore, 

blanked. 

• American Community Survey (ACS) - Same editing procedure as Census 2000. 

• Current Population Survey (CPS) - Improbable scenario in CAI environment; 

citizenship status and year of entry questions are not asked of U.S.-born 

respondents; Place of birth determines citizenship status; citizenship status 

becomes U.S. citizen, born in the United States. Place of birth determines validity of 

year of entry; year of entry is “not in universe.” 

• Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) - Place of birth determines 

citizenship status; citizenship status becomes U.S. citizen, born in the United 

States. Place of birth determines validity of Year of entry; year of entry is "not in 

universe". 

• National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) – As of the 2000 NHIS, respondents are 

either born in a U.S. state or the District of Columbia, or they are born elsewhere 

(they may select from among 500+ possible places). Only those people born 

“elsewhere” are in the universe (both in CAPI and in subsequent edits) for USYR, the 

variable indicating year of entry into the United States; people born in the United 

States or D.C. are blanked, the NHIS version of “out of universe”. (Note: 

Information provided by NCHS.) 

• New York City Housing Vacancy Survey (NYCHVS) - Citizenship status question is 

not asked of respondent. Year of entry is not verified by place of birth. Year of 

entry is not edited, and, therefore, remains on the file. 

• American Housing Survey (AHS) - Same editing procedure as CPS. 

China-born & 1970 Year of Entry & 1975 Year of Birth (age = 25): Scenario 3 

In this scenario when asked for their place of birth, the respondent indicates that they 

were born in China. In the same interview, the respondent indicates that they entered 

the United States in 1970 (assume current year is 2000), and that they stated their year 

of birth to be 1975. These time-related responses are not in agreement. They conflict, 

not surprisingly, because a person cannot enter the U.S. prior to their birth. 

• Decennial census (Census 2000) - Edits are categorized by both place of birth and 

citizenship status. If citizenship status is missing, year of entry along with 

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citizenship status are allocated from a matrix.26 If citizenship status is present, year 

of entry alone is allocated from a matrix. 

• American Community Survey (ACS) - Same editing procedure as Census 2000. 

• Current Population Survey (CPS) - Place of birth determines validity of year of entry. 

If year of birth is greater than year of entry, then year of entry becomes birth year 

plus one. 

• Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) - Improbable scenario in CAI 

environment, where instrument prompts date inconsistencies; year of entry 

matched to year of birth. Place of birth determines validity of year of entry. 

Inconsistency reconciled on “date check” screen. 

• National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) – Improbable scenario in CAI environment, 

where instrument prompts date inconsistencies; year of entry matched to year of 

birth. Place of birth determines validity of year of entry. Inconsistency reconciled on 

“date check” screen. Handling of date inconsistencies are expected to be changed 

for the processing of 2000. (Note: Information provided by NCHS.) 

• New York City Housing Vacancy Survey (NYCHVS) - Place of birth determines 

validity of year of entry. Year of entry is not verified by age. Year of entry is not 

edited, and, therefore, remains on the file unchanged. 

• American Housing Survey (AHS) – Same editing procedure as CPS. 

As revealed by these scenarios, the place of birth item had a significant impact on the 

citizenship status and year of entry responses where no or conflicting information was 

provided. Place of birth is assumed to be more accurate than either citizenship status 

or year of entry. Generally, people know where (at least in what country) they were 

born. Less clear is public understanding and interpretation of terms such as citizen and 

naturalization, especially for populations born in U.S. Island Areas, as well as of the 

foreign born currently holding some form of U.S. residency document (but are not 

naturalized) or those who have applied for, but have not yet been granted 

naturalization. 

In some situations, differing edit specifications for the treatment of conflicting 

responses yield differing outcomes. An example is the case where a person responds 

that they were born outside the United States (or a U.S. Island Area), were a U.S. 

citizen at birth, but their parents were not U.S. citizens. 

26 The allocation matrices vary in format and content depending on the survey and the item being 

allocated. For the decennial census (and ACS 2000), allocation matrices include starting (or “cold deck”) 

values of age, race, and Hispanic Origin. These values are assigned to cases with missing citizenship or 

year of entry information. The matrix is subsequently updated with new information from actual 

responses provided. 

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International Migration Data Guide 

This conflict is handled differently depending on the survey format (paper or computerassisted), and how the edit specifications were written for a particular survey. Whereas 

in Census 2000 this issue would be resolved by the citizenship status being blanked 

and imputed based on a conflict with place of birth—yielding a “non-citizen,” the CPS 

editing procedure would permit the conflict to remain, yielding a “U.S. citizen.” 

Also, for computer-assisted instruments, enumerators are unable to enter invalid years 

of entry. In other words, the computer program does not allow the respondent to give 

(or the enumerator to record) logically incorrect responses to the year of entry item. In 

certain cases (such as CPS), “DK” (Don’t’ Know) and “R” (Refused) responses are 

permitted in the CAI environment even if not listed on screen. 

Conclusion 

The management of migration data by the U.S. Census Bureau continues to evolve. 

Items such as parental nativity have been dropped indefinitely from the census long 

form while other items have been included regularly as part of the basic CPS 

instrument; and, beginning in 1999, both national estimates and projections by nativity 

have been produced. Furthermore, recent SIPP panels include migration-related items. 

Other surveys, seldom used for studying the foreign born, such as the NHIS, NYCHVS, 

and the AHS potentially serve as sources of additional information on the foreign born. 

New surveys (ACS), supplements (NHIS), and questions (SIPP) contribute to the 

ongoing development of foreign-born data. 

Discussions continue within federal agencies of the U.S. government and across 

international borders to improve the collection, processing, analysis, and release of 

international migration data. 

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International Migration Data Guide 

Appendix A. 

Comparison of 1990 and 2000 Decennial Censuses and ACS 200027 

A comparison of foreign-born related questions included in Census 1990, Census 2000 

and the American Community Survey (ACS) 2000 questionnaires reveal some basic 

differences. These differences, specific to the questions themselves and not to the 

overall layout and design of the census instruments, can be categorized into three 

general areas: (1) differences in question sequence (or position) within the overall 

questionnaire; (2) differences in the actual phrasing of the questions; and (3) 

differences in the manner in which responses are recorded. 

Overview 

The decennial censuses from 1990 and 2000, as well as ACS 2000, contain three 

foreign-born related questions, which can broadly referred to as Place-of-birth, 

Citizenship status, and Year-of-entry. 

The Place-of-birth questions note where each respondent was born: state name for 

those born within the United States; or country name for those born elsewhere. The 

Citizenship status questions separate respondents into various citizenship categories, 

which depend on the manner in which citizenship was obtained, or into a residual 

non-citizen group. The Year-of-entry questions situate the years during which 

respondents came to the United States. 

With the exception of “previous residence,” these three data products contained no 

other direct measures of international migration. 

27 The Census 2000 Supplementary Survey (C2SS) used the questionnaire and methods developed for the 

American Community Survey (ACS) to collect demographic, social, economic, and housing data from a 

national sample of 700,000 households. Group quarters were not included in the sample. (See U.S. 

Census Bureau, June 2001 for more information on the C2SS.) 

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International Migration Data Guide 

Position in questionnaire/question sequence 

The sequence of the foreign-born related questions (i.e., the order and position of the 

questions within each questionnaire) may influence certain response outcomes. As shown in 

Table 1, the order of these questions never change in sequence relative to each other, 

however, they do shift location within the overall questionnaire across all three instruments. 

Whereas the three foreign-born items appeared prior to questions related to education, 

ancestry and language spoken at home in Census 1990, they follow these questions in 

Census 2000. However, the ACS 2000 more closely mirrors Census 1990 with placement 

earlier in the sequence. 

Table 1. 

1990 Census 2000 Census 2000 ACS 

Name and address 

Relationships 

Sex 

Race 

Age 

Marital status 

Hispanic origin 

Place of birth 

Citizenship status 

Year of entry 

School enrollment 

Educational attainment 

Ancestry/ethnic origin 

Residence 5 yrs. ago 

Language at home 

Name 

Phone number 

Sex 

Age 

Hispanic origin 

Race 

Marital status 

School enrollment 

Educational attainment 

Ancestry/ethnic origin 

Language at home 

Place of birth 

Citizenship status 

Year of entry 

Residence 5 yrs. ago 

Sex 

Age 

Relationship 

Marital status 

Hispanic origin 

Race 

Place of birth 

Citizenship status 

Year of entry 

School enrollment 

Educational attainment 

Ancestry/ethnic origin 

Residence 1 yr. ago 

Language at home 

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International Migration Data Guide 

Questions and responses 

Place of birth 

The Place-of-birth question was shortened between the 1990 and 2000 decennial censuses. 

As shown in Figure 1, the 1990 phrase, “In what U.S. State or foreign country...” was replaced 

with the much more succinct, “Where” for Census 2000. This wording is also used in ACS 

2000. Both Census 2000 and ACS 2000 provide two check boxes and response fields to 

differentiate U.S.-born locations (states) with foreign-born locations (countries). 

The response options also differ across these instruments. The 1990 Census provided an open 

field for written responses, regardless of location. The response was constrained only by the 

space available. The 2000 Census, on the other hand, offered two check boxes to distinguish 

between places of birth “in the United States” and those “outside the United States.” For each 

options, 15 spaces were allotted for the write-in response. Finally, ACS 2000 offered a format 

similar to Census 2000, but with an open field in lieu of 15 delimited spaces for write-in 

responses. 

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International Migration Data Guide 

Citizenship status 

The Citizenship status question remained unchanged between the two census questionnaires 

and ACS 2000. As shown in Figure 2, there is no difference in the wording of the actual 

question on citizenship status, including the capitalization of the word “citizen.” 

Furthermore, the sequence and phrasing of the response options is nearly identical across 

each instrument. With the exception of the added determiner “a” in the fourth option of the 

2000 questionnaire – “Yes, a U.S. citizen by naturalization” – each option is the same. 

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International Migration Data Guide 

Year of entry 

Like the Place-of-birth question, the Year-of-entry question changed slighted between 

1990 and 2000. As shown in Figure 3, the verb “live” was substituted for the verb 

“stay” in the wording of the question, the result of research suggesting that the term 

“stay” caused confusion among some foreign-born residents. The ACS 2000 matches 

the Census 2000 question verbatim. 

Response options vary tremendously for the Year-of-entry question. The 1990 Census 

used a multiple-choice format that offered 10 pre-determined entry periods of various 

durations from which to choose. Census 2000 and ACS 2000, however, provided a 

write-in field limited to four spaces to represent the actual year of arrival. 

Conclusion 

There is very little variation in both questions and responses for foreign-born related 

items when comparing ACS 2000 to Census 2000, save for sequence in the overall 

questionnaire and one response format. However, some substantial differences 

appear when comparing the same items for ACS 2000 and Census 1990. Most 

notably, the Year-of-entry item is asked and coded differently across these two 

instruments. 

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Appendix B. Tables

Table 1. International Migration Items Covered by Surveys at the U.S. Census Bureau

International Census & CPS SIPP NHIS NYCHVS AHS 

Migration Items ACS 

Nativity x x x x x x

Parental Nativity x x x

Citizenship Status x x x x x

Legal Status x x

Class of Admission x

Year f ntry o E x x x x x x

Length of U.S. Residence x

Migration istory H x x x x x x

Internal .S. igrat U ion M x x x x x x

Reason for Move x x

Foreign Language Instrument x x x x

Available

= Item is included in the instrument. 

= Item is not included in the instrument. 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau 

* Table notes are shown on the next page. 

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International Migration Data Guide 

Table 1 Notes: 

Decennial census 

• "Parental Nativity" (Parents' Place of Birth) was no longer asked in the census after 1970. 

ACS (American Community Survey) 

• The ACS paper version of the questionnaire is currently only available in English. 

• CATI and CAPI instruments are available both in English and Spanish. 

CPS (Current Population Survey) 

• "Reason for Move" and "Residence One Year Ago" are not included in the Basic CPS Questionnaire, but as part of the March Supplement. 

• "Residence Five Years Ago" has been included as part of the March Supplement for intercensal years 1985 and 1995. 

• Only the main reason for move is recorded. 

SIPP (Survey of Income & Program Participation) 

• "Legal Status," "Class of Admission," and "Year of Entry" are included as part of the 1996 Panel (Wave 2), 

and refer to immigration status, adjustment of status, time of adjustment of status, and year of move to the U.S. 

• New citizenship and nativity questions have been proposed for inclusion in the core questionnaire starting 2001, including: 

“Citizenship Status of Parents at Time of Respondent’s Birth,” “Place of Birth Inside/Outside the U.S.,” and “Means of Obtaining Citizenship.” 

• Comparison of household address IDs from wave to wave enables an approximation of internal migration. 

NHIS (National Health Interview Survey) 

• "Parental Nativity" was included in the 2000 Cancer Supplement (Hispanic Acculturation section). 

• "Length of U.S. Residence" is asked in addition to "Year of Entry." 

NYCHVS (New York City Housing Vacancy Survey) 

• Both "Year of Move to U.S." and "Year of Move to NYC" are asked. 

• The survey includes a "Move to U.S. as Immigrant" question. 

AHS (American Housing Survey) 

• Nativity, Citizenship Status, and Year of Entry items were added in 2001. 

• Previous residence is asked only if respondent moved into current residence within the past two years. 

• Respondents moving into sampled housing unit from outside the U.S. are coded as “Different Nation.” 

• Survey includes both why respondent left previous residence and why current location was selected. Multiple responses are recorded. 

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International Migration Data Guide 

Table 2. Questions Asked in the 2000 Decennial Census and in the American 

Community Survey (ACS) Related to International Migration and the Foreign 

Born 

Items Survey Questions and Response Options 

Place of Birtha Where was this person born? 

- In the United States 

- Outside the United States 

Citizenship Status Is this person a CITIZEN of the United States? 

- Yes, born in the United States 

- Yes, born in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or 

Northern Marianas 

- Yes, born abroad of American parent or parents 

- Yes, a U.S. citizen by naturalization 

- No, not a citizen of the United States 

Year of Entry When did this person come to live in the United States? 

- Year 

Ancestry What is this person’s ancestry or ethnic origin? 

(open-ended question) 

Residence One a. Did this person live in this house or apartment 1 year ago (on 

Year Agob April 1, 1999)? 

- Person is under 5 years old 

- Yes, this house 

- No, outside the United States 

- No, different house in the United States 

b. Where did this person live 1 year ago? 

- Name of city, town, or post office (plus follow-up) 

Language Spoken a. Does this person speak a language other than English at 

at Home home? 

- Yes, - No 

b. What is this language? 

(print language) 

c. How well does this person speak English? 

- Very well, - Well, - Not well, Not at all 

a Parental nativity (parents place of birth) was asked in the census until 1970, inclusive. 

b The 1996 through 1998 ACS asked for “residence five years ago”, similar to the 1990 Census. 

Beginning with the 1999 ACS, “residence one year ago” was obtained. 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau 

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International Migration Data Guide 

Table 3. Questions Asked in the Current Population Survey (CPS) Related to 

International Migration and the Foreign Born 

Items Survey Questions and Response Options 

Place of Birth & a. In what country (were/was) (name/you) born? 

Parental Nativity b. In what country was (your/his/her) mother born? 

c. In what country was (your/his/her) father born? 

For each nativity item: (Interviewer Instruction: SELECT 

COUNTRY FROM SCREEN) 

Citizenship Status a. (Are/Is) (name/you) a CITIZEN of the United States? 

- Yes, - No, not a citizen 

b. (Were/Was) (you/name) born a citizen of the United 

States? 

- Yes, - No 

c. Did (you/name) become a citizen of the United 

States through naturalization? 

- Yes, - No 

Year of Entry When did (you/name) come to live in the United States? 

(Interviewer Instruction: ENTER YEAR) 

Residence One Year (Were/Was) (you/name) living in this house (or 

Agoa apartment) one year ago; that is, on March 1, 19xx? 

- Yes, this house (apt) 

- No, different house in U.S. 

- No, outside the U.S. 

Reason for Movea What was (your/name) main reason for moving? 

(Interviewer Instruction: SELECT RESPONSE FROM 

SCREEN) 

a Item not included in the Basic Questionnaire of the CPS, but as part of the March Supplement. 

"Residence Five Years Ago" was included as part of the March Supplement for intercensal years 1985 

and 1995. 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau 

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International Migration Data Guide 

Table 4a. Questions Asked in the Survey of Income and Program Participation 

(SIPP) Migration History Topical Module Related to International Migration and 

the Foreign Born, 2000 Panel, Wave 2 

Items Survey Questions and Response Options 

Previous Residence a. When did you move into this house/apartment/mobile 

home? 

- Always lived here – or – 

- Month: - Year: 

b. What state was your previous residence in? 

- (99) Not in the U.S. 

c. What country did you live in before moving here? 

(Interviewer instruction: SHOW FLASH CARD) 

Place of Birth a. Where were (you) born? 

- (99) Not in the U.S. 

b. What country were you born in? 

(Interviewer instruction: SHOW FLASH CARD) 

Citizenship Status a. Are you a U.S. citizen? 

- Yes, - No 

b. Are you a citizen through naturalization or were you born 

abroad of American parents? 

- Naturalized citizen 

- Born abroad of American parents 

Year of Entry When did you move to the United States? 

Year: 

Immigration Status 

at Year of Entry 

When you moved to the United States to live, what was your

immigration status?

(Interviewer instruction: SHOW FLASH CARD)

- Immediate relative or family sponsored permanent resident

- Employment-based permanent resident

- Other permanent resident

- Granted refugee status or granted asylum

- Non-immigrant (e.g., diplomatic, student, business, or tourist

visa) 

- Other 

Adjustment of Has your status been changed to permanent resident? 

Status - Yes, - No 

Year of Status What year was your status changed to permanent resident? 

Change Year: 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau 

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International Migration Data Guide 

Table 4b. Questions in the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) 

Related to International Migration and the Foreign Born, 2001 Methods Panel, 

Wave 1 

Items Survey Questions and Response Options 

Place of Birth a. [Were you [.../both]/Was everyone in this household born 

in the United States? 

- Yes, - No, - DK, - Ref 

b. Who was born outside of the United States? Anyone else? 

Citizenship Status a. Are you/Is [NAME] a citizen of the United States? 

- Yes, - No, - DK, - Refused 

b. How did you/[NAME] become a U.S. citizen? 

- Through naturalization (the way immigrants become 

citizens) 

- Born in the U.S. or in a U.S. outlying area 

- Born to U.S. citizen parents 

- Adopted by U.S. citizen parent(s) 

- Other – Specify 

- DK 

- Refused 

Citizenship Status of At the time of your/[NAME]’s birth, was either of your/hisher

Parents at Time of parents a U.S. citizen?

Respondent’s Birth - Yes, - No, - DK, - Refused

Source: U.S. Census Bureau 

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International Migration Data Guide 

Table 5. Questions Asked in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 

Related to International Migration and the Foreign Born 

Items Survey Questions and Response Options 

Place of Birth Where [fill F_WASWERE] [fill F_TEMPNAME] born? 

(Interviewer Instructions: SELECT RESPONSE FROM SCREEN) 

Year of Entry In what year did [fill F_TEMPNAME] come to the United States to 

stay? 

Year: 

Length of U.S. About how long [fill HAVHAS] [fill F_TEMPNAME] been in the 

Residence United States? 

Years: 

Citizenship Status (Interviewer instruction: SHOW FLASH CARD) 

[fill C_AREIS] [fill F_TEMPNAME] a CITIZEN of the United States? 

- Yes, born in the United States 

- Yes, born in Puerto Rico, Guam, American Virgin Islands, or 

other U.S. territory 

- Yes, born abroad to American parent(s) 

- Yes, U.S. citizen by naturalization 

- No, not a citizen of the United States 

Parental Nativitya a. In what state or country was your father born? 

b. In what state or country was your mother born? 

a Item not included in the Basic Questionnaire of the NHIS, but as part of the 2000 NHIS Cancer Topical 

Module, Hispanic Acculturation Section. 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau 

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International Migration Data Guide 

Table 6. Questions Asked in the 2002 New York City Housing Vacancy Survey 

(NYCHVS) Related to International Migration and the Foreign Born 

Items Survey Questions and Response Options 

Place of Birth Where was... 

a. (reference person) born? 

b. (reference person’s) father born? 

c. (reference person’s) mother born? 

A flashcard is shown including a list of places (e.g., New York City, 

U.S.-Outside New York City, Puerto Rico) 

“Immigrant Did...(reference person) move to the United States as an 

Status” immigrant? 

- Yes, - No 

Year of Entry rence person) move to the United States? 

Year of Entry In what year did...(reference person) move to New York City? (most 

In what year did...(refe 

2 0 0 

into New York 

City 

recent move if more than one) 

2 0 0 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau 

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International Migration Data Guide 

Table 7. Questions Asked in the 2001 American Housing Survey (AHS) Related 

to International Migration and the Foreign Born 

Items Survey Questions and Response Options 

Place of Birtha a. In what country (were/was) (name/you) born? 

(Interviewer Instruction: SELECT COUNTRY FROM SCREEN) 

Citizenship Statusa a. (Are/Is) (name/you) a CITIZEN of the United States? 

- Yes, - No, not a citizen 

b. (Were/Was) (you/name) born a citizen of the United States? 

- Yes, - No 

c. Did (you/name) become a citizen of the United States 

through naturalization? 

- Yes, - No 

Year of Entrya When did (you/name) come to live in the United States? 

(Interviewer Instruction: ENTER YEAR) 

Reasons for Move a. What are the reasons you moved from your last residence? 

(Interviewer Instruction: MARK (X) ALL THAT APPLY) 

b. Which reason was the MAIN reason? (For 1+ responses 

given) 

Previous Residence What city, county, and State did you live in just before moving 

here? 

(Interviewer Instruction: ENTER (X) IF OUTSIDE U.S.) 

a Place of Birth (Nativity), Citizenship Status, and Year of Entry items were added in 2001. 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau 

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International Migration Data Guide 

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International Migration Data Guide 

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