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Georgia is 2026’s second-best state for immigrants, according to SmileHub’s rankings.
The nonprofit organization compared all 50 states based on three key dimensions, which are social environment & support, economic environment, and legal environment & stability detractors.
The dimensions were evaluated using 16 relevant metrics, such as the highest share of immigrants, the lowest share of immigrants, the fewest hate crimes per capita, the most communities that support charities per capita, the highest share of foreign-born entrepreneurs, etc.
Major Findings From SmileHub’s 2026 Ranking
More than 53 million immigrants call the U.S. home, working and living across the country – but conditions vary widely by state. To spotlight top spots and areas needing work, SmileHub crunched numbers for all 50 states, comparing 16 key metrics to produce its Best States for Immigrants in 2026 ranking.
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According to the report, the top five states for immigrants are Virginia, Georgia, Nebraska, Arkansas, and North Carolina. These states offer a supportive environment, job opportunities, and relatively low costs of living.
Virginia, ranked number one, boasts excellent public schools, low crime rates, and a thriving economy. Georgia, with its growing population and booming economy, is another attractive option, especially Atlanta, which has a strong music scene and a low cost of living.
Nebraska and Arkansas offer affordable housing and a relatively low cost of living, while North Carolina provides access to major cities like Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham, along with a growing tech industry.
On the other hand, the worst states for immigrants are Alaska, Oregon, Hawaii, Arizona, and New Mexico. These states face challenges like high costs of living, limited job opportunities, and harsh climates.
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Georgia, a Favourable Standing Amidst Immigration Crackdown
Georgia’s high ranking on SmileHub’s report stems from strong showings across several categories. The state boasts the 3rd fewest hate crime incidents per capita, creating a safer environment for immigrants. It also has the 4th smallest income gap between immigrants and non-immigrants, indicating economic opportunities.
Additionally, Georgia ranks 9th for the share of employed foreign-born residents and 10th for cost of living, making it relatively affordable. With a 16th place for share of immigrants in the population, Georgia’s diversity contributes to its standing. The state’s 20th place for community support charities per capita adds to its appeal, showcasing a supportive environment for immigrants.
Georgia’s high ranking is notable given the state’s role in immigration enforcement. In 2025, Georgia saw the fourth most ICE raids nationwide, with over 8,000 people taken into custody. With nearly 52 million immigrants living and working in the U.S., the Trump Administration has deported more than 605,000 immigrants who allegedly entered the country illegally since Trump’s return to office in 2025.
The administration’s efforts to increase deportations using ICE and Border Patrol agents have sparked nationwide protests. A fatal incident in January involved federal law enforcement shooting two people during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis.
Meanwhile, Democrats are pushing for stricter immigration enforcement, opposing a Department of Homeland Security funding bill, contributing to a partial government shutdown.
You can dive deep into SmileHub’s report here.
