President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown has led to a significant decrease of nearly 3 million people in America’s foreign-born population, according to a recent analysis of federal data. The estimated illegal immigrant population dropped by 2.3 million between January 2025 and July 2026, while the legal immigrant population also declined by around 600,000. This shift is so drastic that it has raised concerns about a possible decrease in the total United States population.
The data comes from an analysis of the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey conducted by the Center for Immigration Studies. The study revealed that the total foreign-born population in the country decreased from approximately 53.3 million in January 2025 to 50.5 million in July 2026. This decline followed a period of significant growth during the previous administration. The latest figures suggest that net migration has been negative for an extended period, a trend not seen since the 1930s.
The decrease in the foreign-born population has been attributed to Trump’s stringent border policies, increased interior enforcement, formal deportations, and the pressure on illegal immigrants to leave voluntarily. The analysis indicates that the illegal immigrant population decreased from 15.8 million to approximately 13.5 million during the same period. This change is considered a fundamental and profound shift in the country’s immigration landscape.
Despite some disruptions in regional industries, the nationwide economic effects of the population decline have been limited. American workers may benefit from reduced competition for jobs and housing, while employers may face challenges with a smaller applicant pool. The reduction in government benefit costs could offset the potential loss in tax revenue due to fewer immigrants.
The analysis also revealed that only 44% of the decline in the foreign-born population involved workers, with the rest consisting of non-working individuals. Some immigrant workers may have chosen to stay in the U.S. while sending family members back to their home countries, which could explain why the decline has not led to a significant drop in the number of workers nationwide.
While the decrease in the foreign-born population poses new economic questions, Center for Immigration Studies research director Steven Camarota believes it is ultimately beneficial for the country. He emphasized that the focus should be on issues like wages, housing prices, congestion, and the impact on schools and hospitals. The data suggests a shift in the country’s demographic landscape, prompting a reevaluation of current policies and priorities.
For a detailed analysis of what ICE is doing, watch Homan’s comments here.
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