AP US History · Sourcing and situation
Which conclusion is most strongly supported by the data shown?
Foreign-born share of the U.S. population
| Year | Foreign-born share |
|---|---|
| 1910 | 14.7% |
| 1930 | 11.6% |
| 1970 | 4.7% |
| 1990 | 7.9% |
| 2010 | 12.9% |
U.S. Census Bureau historical series. Percent of total U.S. population that was foreign born.
Which conclusion is most strongly supported by the data shown?
Answer and explanation
Answer: C: The foreign-born share rose substantially after 1970 but in 2010 remained below its 1910 level
The table shows the foreign-born share rising from 4.7 percent in 1970 to 12.9 percent in 2010, still below 14.7 percent in 1910. That supports C. Choice A is tempting because the data cannot link law and share, but a table cannot prove there was no relationship; it simply cannot show causation. Choice B confuses percentages with numbers, though the U.S. population was far larger in 2010. Choice D claims European immigration drove the increase, but the table lists no countries or regions of origin.
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