U.S. Sees First Decline in Immigrant Population in Decades Amid Policy Shift

For the first time in decades, the United States is experiencing a net loss in its immigrant population, a trend linked to recent stringent immigration policies that have prompted many to leave, either through deportation or personal choice.

A recent review of census data from January to June shows the foreign-born population in the U.S.—including both documented and undocumented individuals—fell by approximately 1.5 million, declining from 53.3 million to 51.9 million.

Government officials have welcomed this reduction, suggesting it has alleviated pressure on public services and contributed to improvements in the job market. Some proponents of stricter immigration controls argue these measures have yet to reach their full potential.

However, analysts warn that if this downward trend continues, the country could face serious economic and demographic challenges. Immigrants play a vital role in numerous industries, and the nation’s dependence on their labor is expected to grow as the baby boomer generation retires.

Following a campaign promise of large-scale deportations, the current administration has enacted broad policies to curb immigration. These include limiting asylum access at the southern border, tightening visa requirements for international students and technology professionals, and deploying thousands of federal agents to detain and deport unauthorized immigrants. These actions have encouraged some immigrants to leave voluntarily and deterred others from entering.

One example is Lillian Divina Leite, a 46-year-old housekeeper from Charlotte, North Carolina, who opted to participate in a government self-deportation initiative to return to Brazil. She described feeling alarmed as she witnessed immigrants being aggressively targeted and treated like dangerous criminals.