In the early 20th century, the proportion of people born outside the United States represented a significant portion of the population. In 1910, this figure was recorded at 14.6 percent, highlighting the influence of immigration on American society during that time. This era marked a peak of globalization, where international migration shaped cultural and demographic landscapes.

By the 2010 census, however, the percentage of foreign-born individuals in the U.S. had only slightly increased to 12.9 percent. This change reflects various historical and socio-economic factors influencing immigration patterns over the century, including global conflicts and policy shifts. Ferguson's analysis in "The Abyss" underscores how these dynamics impacted the trajectory of globalization and national identity.