Wednesday, January 28, 2026-New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows the nation’s population growth screeched to a near‑halt in 2025, rising just 0.5 % the slowest annual increase in years largely because net international migration plunged sharply.
Between July 2024 and June 2025, net migration dropped from roughly 2.7 million to about 1.3 million, accounting for the biggest portion of the slowdown even as births and deaths remained relatively stable. This abrupt drop in newcomers is reshaping demographic trends and signaling a major shift in how the U.S. population expands.
The decline in international migration has been felt nationwide, with population growth slowing across almost every region and state. Traditionally high‑growth states like California saw their numbers stagnate or shrink, while even fast‑expanding states such as Texas experienced significantly slower increases compared with recent years. With fewer immigrants arriving and more stringent immigration policies and enforcement in place, the demographic engine that had driven much of post‑pandemic growth is now faltering.
Economists and demographers warn the slowing trend could have ripple effects on the economy, labor markets, and long‑term fiscal health. Immigrants have been a key factor sustaining workforce growth and supporting sectors from construction to healthcare, and their reduced numbers are intensifying concerns about labor shortages, slower economic expansion, and challenges in programs like Social Security. The shift highlights how closely population dynamics and national growth remain tied to migration patterns in an era of changing policy and global mobility.
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