U.S. Records Historic Drop in Immigration: 1.4 Million Fewer Immigrants in the First Half of 2025

Unprecedented drop in immigration

1.4 million fewer in 2025

Trump policies tighten the border

The United States experienced an unprecedented decrease in its immigrant population during the first six months of President Donald Trump’s current administration.

According to a study by the Pew Research Center, the country lost around 1.4 million immigrants between January and June 2025, the first reduction of its kind in more than half a century.

The report states that in January there was a record 53.3 million immigrants living in the U.S.

However, by June the number had fallen to 51.9 million, representing a 2.6% decline. This also reduced the proportion of immigrants within the total population, which went from a historic 15.8% in January to 15.4% by midyear.

Migrants in the United States Face Historic Decline

U.S. Records Historic Drop in Immigration – Photo: Shutterstock

Labor Impact

The decline translated into the loss of approximately 750,000 immigrant workers. In January, immigrants represented 20% of the country’s labor force, but by June their share had fallen to 19%.

Mark López, director of race and ethnicity research at the Pew Research Center, explained: “The reduction in immigrants is significant because this is the first time it has happened in more than half a century, and the last time we saw something like this was during the Great Depression.”

López also warned that preliminary July data shows the downward trend continues:

“Why is this happening? There are different reasons. First, there are fewer immigrants coming into the country.”

The Role of Trump’s Policies

The analysis ties part of this decline to measures pushed by the president.

“It is partially the result of Trump’s policies,” López said, while noting that the natural dynamic of migrant entry and exit also plays a role.

Among the most significant actions are tougher border controls with Mexico, an increase in deportations, and pressure for more migrants to leave the country voluntarily.

In the first 200 days of the administration, the Department of Homeland Security reported more than 352,000 arrests of undocumented immigrants and 324,000 deportations, which amounts to 1,620 expulsions per day.

Changes in the Undocumented Population

Pew also estimated that the undocumented population reached a record 14 million in 2023, with sharp growth through 2024 that began to reverse in 2025.

Even so, the figure remains above levels recorded two years earlier.

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In terms of origin, Mexico remains the main country of origin with 11.4 million immigrants (22% of the total), although that share has declined from 29% in 2010.

The list of countries of origin continues with India (6%), China (6%), and the Philippines (4%).

“There has been this increasing diversification in the origin or sources of unauthorized immigration. For the overall immigrant population in the United States, that has also been the case,” López emphasized.

What Comes Next

The report warns that it is still too early to project definitive figures for 2025, but it confirms a transformation in migration dynamics that could shape U.S. politics and the economy in the coming years.

The decline in the immigrant population reopens the debate about the impact of these policies on key sectors such as labor, society, and culture in the United States.

Do you think the decline in the immigrant population will bring economic benefits, or will it harm the U.S. labor force?

SOURCE: EFE