| Statistical Resource for Pacific Islands
This page presents historical migration data documenting the movement of Pacific Island nationals to the United States over-time. Using publicly available federal data sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau and related statistical products, data is divided into different time series to show changes in migration volume, year of entry patterns, and geographic settlement across U.S. states. The purpose is to provide clear, structured data that allows government officials, researchers, and stakeholders to observe long-term trends rather than isolated annual figures.
Oceania-Born Population in the US
Total Population: 303,835
Male: 51.1% (Female: 48.9%)
Foreign-born Naturalized US Citizen: 134,378
Language and Employment
Speak English Only: 50.3%
Employment Status
In Labor Force: 68.7%
Unemployed: 2.8%
Armed Forces: 1.3%
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Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 American Community Survey (ACS), 1-Year Estimates.
Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Republic of Palau are eligible to live and work in the United States under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA), formal agreements between these sovereign nations and the United States.
Under this framework, eligible citizens are lawfully present in the United States and do not require immigrant visas to reside or seek employment. COFA migration differs from traditional immigration streams because entry and residence are based on treaty provisions rather than employment-based or family-sponsored visa categories.
Note: Many public datasets classify individuals by place of birth (FSM/RMI/Palau) rather than COFA legal status. Figures should be interpreted as “COFA-nation–born” unless the source explicitly reports legal status.
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