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U.S. Population Growth Slows Amid Trump’s Immigration Policies

1/29/2026

50 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Trump's Immigration Impact

In 2025, the U.S. population grew by 0.5 percent to about 342 million.
U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration policies contributed to the slowdown.
Immigration declined from 2.7 million to 1.3 million, with projections of about 321,000 by mid-2026.
Growth occurred in South Carolina, Idaho, and North Carolina, while California and New York stagnated.

Summary

Census Bureau Insights

The United States Census Bureau reports a slowdown in population growth tied to a drop in international migration between 2024 and 2025.
Arizona grew 0.9% from 2024 to 2025 despite a migration decline.
California posted a population loss as domestic out-migration and lower international migration failed to offset natural increase.
Domestic migration now underpins growth in 16 states, becoming their largest growth component.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. Immigration Act of 1924 established strict quotas, limiting immigration to 165,000 annually and favoring Northern and Western Europeans. This law significantly shaped demographic trends, a legacy echoed in recent policies under President Trump, which saw immigration drop from 2.7 million in 2016 to 1.3 million in 2020, affecting states' growth dynamics across the nation.

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Trump's Immigration Impact

In 2025, the U.S. population grew by 0.5 percent to about 342 million.
U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration policies contributed to the slowdown.
Immigration declined from 2.7 million to 1.3 million, with projections of about 321,000 by mid-2026.
Growth occurred in South Carolina, Idaho, and North Carolina, while California and New York stagnated.

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