Key Takeaways:
- Telugu population in the US rose from 320,000 in 2016 to 1.23 million in 2024, creating familiar environments for newcomers.
- Major states with high Telugu populations include California (200,000), Texas (150,000), and New Jersey (110,000), per Census Bureau data.
- Telugu is the 11th most spoken US language, with notable student and H1B visa holder communities chiefly in IT and finance.
How Has the Telugu Population in the US Grown Over the Years?
The Telugu-speaking population in the United States has witnessed a remarkable surge over the past few years. From a mere 320,000 individuals in 2016, it has now reached 1.23 million in 2024. This growth is significantly noticeable to Telugu students heading to the US now, as they will find a more familiar environment.
Which States Have the Highest Telugu Population?
According to the Statistical Atlas of the US, based on Census Bureau data, several states have seen a dramatic increase. California tops the list with close to 200,000 Telugu speakers, followed by Texas with 150,000, and New Jersey with 110,000. Other states with notable Telugu populations include Illinois (83,000), Virginia (78,000), and Georgia (52,000).
Local Telugu associations affirm these numbers, suggesting that this growth aligns with their own estimates.
How Popular is the Telugu Language in the US Today?
Telugu is now the 11th most spoken language in the United States. According to Ashok Kolla, former secretary of the Telugu Association of North America, approximately 80% of the 60,000 to 70,000 students who come to the US annually are members of this organization. Additionally, about 10,000 H1B visa holders join the Telugu community each year.
“Over 75% of these individuals settle in the US, mostly in Dallas, the Bay Area, North Carolina, New Jersey, Atlanta, Florida, and Nashville,” said Kolla. The older Telugu generation comprises mostly entrepreneurs, while over 80% of the younger generation work in IT and finance sectors.
What Are the Experiences of New Telugu Immigrants?
The surge in the Telugu population has made settling in the US easier for newcomers. “When I moved to Dallas last year, I felt right at home,” said Vinay K, who relocated for a role as a data analyst. “From my PG to my office, from streets to malls, I was surrounded by Telugus. Most of my colleagues from India are from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which helped me settle down and not feel homesick.”
Veteran immigrants like T. Raghavendra Rao, a 63-year-old businessman who has lived in New Jersey for over fifty years, observe the shift in the community’s demographics. “I don’t remember knowing more than four or five Telugu families when I first moved. But over the years, the community has grown significantly. It’s like we have a third state after AP and Telangana in the US. There are more footfalls in temples and community spaces now.”
What Does the Future Hold for Telugu Students in the US?
According to the Indian Mobility Report 2024, students from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana form the largest cohort of Indian students in the US, constituting 12.5% of the total student population. Universities are making efforts to cater to this crowd.
At Kent State University, signs that read “Vidyardhulaku Swagatham (Welcome Students)” greet new batches of students. “I was moved by this gesture,” said Indra Varsini, who is pursuing a master’s in IT in New Jersey. “I feel I am not too far from my own people,” she adds.
As per VisaVerge.com, the rise in the Telugu population in the US is a testament to the strong community bonds and the attractive opportunities the country offers. For more official information and immigration updates, check the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
The significant increase in the US Telugu population from various walks of life indicates a thriving and expanding community. This growth promises a promising future for upcoming students and professionals looking to make the US their home.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Immigration Terms
1. H1B Visa
A visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. Each year, about 10,000 H1B visa holders join the Telugu community in the United States.
2. Immigration Cohort
A group of individuals who migrated to a new country within a specific period. Students from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana represent the largest Indian student cohort in the US, making up 12.5% of the total Indian student population.
3. Naturalization
The process by which a non-citizen acquires citizenship or nationality of a country. As the Telugu community grows, many members may pursue naturalization to become U.S. citizens.
4. Telugu Associations
Communal organizations that support and promote Telugu culture and interests in the U.S., such as the Telugu Association of North America, which plays a significant role in welcoming and integrating Telugu immigrants.
5. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
A federal agency overseeing lawful immigration, providing resources and updates on immigration processes. The rise in Telugu immigration can be tracked through USCIS data and reports.
This Article In A Nutshell:
The Telugu population in the US has grown significantly, reaching 1.23 million in 2024 from 320,000 in 2016. States like California, Texas, and New Jersey host the largest Telugu communities. This growth helps new Telugu immigrants feel at home, creating a supportive environment for students and professionals alike.
— By VisaVerge.com
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