WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. immigrant population has shrunk by over 1 million since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, falling from 53.3 million to 51.9 million by June, according to a new Pew Research Center study released Sunday, August 24, 2025. This marks the first decline in the nation’s immigrant population since the 1960s, driven by Trump’s aggressive immigration policies.
The Pew report highlights a significant drop in the immigrant share of the U.S. workforce, with over 750,000 fewer immigrant workers by mid-2025. “This is really the first time we’ve seen a drop like this,” noted Jeffrey Passel, Pew’s senior demographer, pointing to tightened border controls and increased deportations as key factors. The administration’s actions, including over 100 executive orders in its first 100 days, have targeted asylum seekers, ended temporary protections for nearly 500,000 immigrants, and ramped up ICE raids.
Key impacts of Trump’s policies include:
- A sharp decline in border crossings, with arrests dropping to 8,000 in July from 96,000 in December 2024.
- The dismantling of the CBP One app, canceling 30,000 asylum appointments.
- Operation Homecoming, offering $1,000 and travel aid for voluntary departures.
While the Department of Homeland Security claims 1.6 million undocumented immigrants left since January, Pew cautions that survey response rates may exaggerate the decline. California, home to 2.3 million unauthorized immigrants, remains a focal point of enforcement, with high-profile raids sparking protests in Los Angeles. The economic fallout is notable, with agriculture facing $3-7 billion in crop losses due to labor shortages. As Trump’s policies reshape migration patterns, analysts warn of long-term impacts on industries reliant on immigrant labor, even as supporters argue it prioritizes American workers.
Source: Pew Research Center
