Declining Immigration Rates Impact U.S. Population Growth

Mon Feb 02 2026 15:49:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent reports indicate a significant slowdown in the U.S. population growth due to decreased immigration rates, coinciding with the reinstatement of stricter immigration policies. This trend highlights the ongoing issues surrounding migration and its implications for society.

The U.S. population grew by only 0.5% in 2025, a stark contrast to the previous year's nearly 1% growth, attributed primarily to a drop in immigration, contributing to growing discussions on policy impacts. In 2024, net international migration accounted for a significant 84% of the population increase, while the current year's data indicates a troubling shift, largely driven by changes in immigration enforcement.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A recent report reveals that the U.S. population reached 341.8 million in 2025, reflecting a low growth rate of 0.5%, a drastic reduction from the previous year's nearly 1% increase. This slowdown has been closely linked to the tightening of immigration policies under President Trump's administration, which returned to power in January 2025.

The Census Bureau notes that immigration rates fell considerably, with only a net increase of 1.3 million people, down from 2.8 million the previous year. The reports do not differentiate between legal and illegal immigration, complicating the analysis further.

Historically, the U.S. witnessed lower population growth rates during significant global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, where the growth rate dropped to just 0.16% in 2021. Experts are now closely monitoring the impacts of Trump's immigration agenda following his return to office, particularly given that migration issues were central to his successful 2024 presidential campaign.

Research indicates that recent data reflect an ongoing trend of out-migration, with an increasing number of people leaving the U.S. while fewer are entering. Eric Jensen, a senior research scientist at the Census Bureau, pointed out that the numbers signal a notable divergence from previous years when immigration significantly bolstered population growth.

The delayed release of this data, affected by a federal government shutdown, coincides with staffing challenges at the Census Bureau, which has seen a workforce reduction aimed at budget cuts. While some experts express concerns about potential political influences on statistical accuracy, many reassure that the integrity of the data remains intact.