In a historic shift, the U.S. foreign-born population has plummeted by 2.2 million since January 2025, with an estimated 1.6 million fewer illegal immigrants in the first six months of President Donald Trump’s second term. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, analyzed by the Center for Immigration Studies, marks this as the largest six-month decline ever recorded. The drop, driven by aggressive enforcement policies, signals a dramatic reversal from the Biden era’s estimated 8 million migrant influx.
Trump’s administration has intensified deportations, with 246,000 removals reported by ICE this fiscal year, alongside a near-shutdown of illegal border crossings. Policies incentivizing voluntary departures, such as one-way flights and stipends, have also contributed. The decline primarily affects non-citizens, particularly Latin American immigrants arriving post-1980, while naturalized citizen numbers slightly rose. Labor data shows job growth now favors native-born Americans, potentially boosting wages for less-educated workers.
Critics, including the Migration Policy Institute, caution that the data, drawn from the Current Population Survey’s small sample, may overstate the decline due to underreporting by fearful immigrants. Others warn of economic impacts, as industries like agriculture and construction face labor shortages. Immigrant rights groups decry family separations and heightened fear in communities. Conversely, supporters argue the policies fulfill Trump’s campaign promise to prioritize American workers and secure borders.
The decline could reshape electoral maps and labor markets, with states like California potentially losing influence if populations shrink further. As legal challenges mount, the long-term effects of Trump’s immigration crackdown remain uncertain, but its immediate impact is undeniable.
