In international discussions on immigration and integration, the term "population with an immigration background" (aka "population with a foreign background" or "population with a migration background") is being used with growing frequency. This concept is increasingly replacing the simple distinction between citizens (or nationals) and foreign citizens (or non- nationals), which is exclusively based on citizenship and ignores whether individuals immigrated themselves or have a direct connection to immigration through their parents.
In accordance with the UN's international recommendations 
(see p. 92), the FSO's definition of the population with an immigration background takes account of all persons who immigrated to Switzerland (immigrants) or who were directly affected by their parents' experience with migration (descendants of immigrants), regardless of their citizenship.
Classification of the population by immigration status
Total population
1 Population without an immigration background
1.1 Persons born abroad (foreign-born)
1.1.1 Swiss citizens at birth with a least one parent born in Switzerland
1.2 Persons born in Switzerland (native-born)
1.2.1 Foreign citizens whose parents were both born in Switzerland (third generation or more)
1.2.2 Swiss citizens (native-born)
a) Swiss citizens at birth with a least one parent born in Switzerland
b) Naturalised persons whose parents were both born in Switzerland
2 Population with an immigration background
2.1 Persons born abroad (foreign-born)
2.1.1 Foreign citizens (first generation)
2.1.2 Swiss citizens
a) Swiss citizens at birth whose parents were both born abroad
b) Naturalised persons
2.2 Persons born in Switzerland (native-born)
2.2.1 Foreign citizens with at least one parent born abroad (second generation)
2.2.2 Swiss citizens
a) Swiss citizens at birth whose parents were both born abroad
b) Naturalised persons with at least one parent born abroad