Pew Research Center analysis of census data shows the U.S. foreign-born population fell by more than one million between January and June. The foreign-born population peaked at 53.3 million in January and declined to 51.9 million by June, marking the first net drop since the 1960s. California housed 11.3 million immigrants in 2023, about 28.4% of the national total. The decline has been framed by some officials as the result of strengthened border enforcement and deportations. Experts warn sustained declines could produce labor shortages as U.S. birth rates fall, increasing reliance on immigrant workers to fill many jobs.
An analysis of census data released by Pew Research Center on Thursday noted that between January and June, the United States' foreign-born population had declined by more than a million people. Millions of people arrived at the border between 2021 and 2023 seeking refuge in America after the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, which ravaged many of their home countries. In 2023, California was home to 11.3 million immigrants, roughly 28.4% of the national total, according to Pew.
In January, 53.3 million immigrants lived in the U.S., the highest number recorded, but in the months that followed, those who left or were deported surpassed those arriving - the first drop since the 1960s. As of June, the number living in the U.S. had dropped to 51.9 million. Pew did not calculate how many immigrants are undocumented.
Trump and his supporters have applauded the exodus, with the president declaring "Promises Made. Promises Kept," in a social media post this month. "Seven months into his second term, it's clear that the president has done what he said he'd do by reestablishing law and order at our southern border and by removing violent illegal immigrants from our nation," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote in a USA Today column on Thursday. "Both actions were necessary for Americans' peace and prosperity."
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