For the first time in decades, the United States is seeing a net decline in its immigrant population. According to census data analyzed by the Pew Research Center and released on August 21, between January and June the number of foreign-born residents fell by nearly 1.5 million—from 53.3 million to 51.9 million. Researchers attribute the drop to President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration agenda, which has tightened asylum access, expanded deportations, and imposed stricter visa rules.
Trump officials have applauded the trend, claiming that reduced immigration has eased pressure on public services and bolstered job markets. Supporters of the crackdown argue that the measures should go even further. But experts warn that if the outflow continues, the US could face serious demographic and economic challenges. Immigrants make up a vital segment of the workforce, and their importance is growing as baby boomers retire.
During his reelection campaign, Trump pledged sweeping actions against undocumented immigrants, including mass deportations, the suspension of asylum pathways, visa cancellations for foreign students linked to pro-Palestinian protests, ideological screening of visa applicants, and even the revocation of birthright citizenship. With many of these measures now in effect, the question becomes clear: what impact could these policies have on the US economy? Click through this gallery to find out.