Trump's Terms A crackdown on immigration is leading to a sharp drop in U.S. population growth
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Jan 28, 2026 
Scott Horsley, NPR White House correspondent and economics reporter, explains why U.S. population growth plunged. He describes how immigration declines drove the drop and how policy changes affected arrivals and departures. He outlines forecasts if restrictions continue, notes shrinking natural increase, and highlights the economic and regional consequences.
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Immigration Drop Drives Slower Population Growth
- U.S. population growth slowed sharply primarily because immigration fell steeply last year.
- The Trump administration's crackdown cut both legal and illegal entry and increased departures and deportations.
Birth Decline Adds To Population Slowdown
- Natural increase (births minus deaths) also fell, leaving only about a half million net additions last year.
- Fewer births and aging baby boomers have cut natural population growth to less than half pre-pandemic rates.
Population Growth Fuels Economic Momentum
- Slower population growth undermines economic expansion because population is a key driver of growth.
- Economists say reduced immigration likely contributed to the sharp slowdown in job growth last year.