President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown contributed to a slowdown in U.S. population growth as the nation reached nearly 342 million people in 2025, according to the Census Bureau.
U.S. Population Growth Declines
The 0.5% growth rate for 2025 is a sharp decline from 2024’s nearly 1% growth, which was fueled by immigration. Last year, the U.S. population increased by roughly 1.3 million people, compared with 2.8 million in 2024.
Census Bureau projections suggest that mid-2026 could see net immigration gains drop to just 321,000 if current trends continue. The estimates do not differentiate between legal and unauthorized immigration.
Impact on States
Lower immigration slowed population growth in states that typically attract newcomers. California recorded a net loss of 9,500 residents in 2025, down from a 232,000 gain the previous year. Immigrant arrivals dropped from 361,000 to 109,000.
Florida also saw declines in both domestic migration and immigrant arrivals. Domestic movers fell from 64,000 in 2024 to 22,000 in 2025. Immigration numbers dropped from over 411,000 to 178,000. New York gained only about 1,000 residents due to reduced immigrant inflows.
Meanwhile, states like South Carolina, Idaho, and North Carolina experienced the highest growth rates, between 1.3% and 1.5%. Texas, Florida, and North Carolina added the most residents in raw numbers. States including California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Vermont, and West Virginia saw population declines.
Effects of Trump’s Immigration Policies
These population changes reflect the early impact of Trump’s second-term immigration crackdown, which began in January 2025. The policy targeted southern border crossings and large urban areas such as Los Angeles and Portland. Other cities, including Chicago, New Orleans, Memphis, and Minneapolis, saw enforcement surges later in the year.
In 2024, net international migration accounted for 84% of U.S. population growth. The 2025 figures show a notable drop in arrivals and a rise in departures.
How Population Estimates Are Calculated
The Census Bureau compiles estimates annually using government records and internal data. These differ from the once-a-decade census, which determines congressional representation and distributes $2.8 trillion in federal funds.
The release of the 2025 estimates was delayed due to the federal government shutdown. Despite staff reductions and leadership changes in statistical agencies, experts say the bureau’s data remain reliable.
Brookings demographer William Frey confirmed the numbers reflect ongoing trends in migration and population shifts, without evidence of interference.
