In just six months, President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown has helped drive the largest drop in America’s foreign-born population in decades — a 2.2 million decline since January, including a 10% plunge in the estimated number of illegal immigrants. Supporters hail it as the fulfillment of a campaign pledge; critics call it a shock to the nation’s labor force, according to a new report.
Federal survey data show the total foreign-born population, legal and illegal, falling from record highs earlier this year, with the steepest losses among non-citizens from Latin America who arrived after 1980. That group shrank by roughly 1.6 million, a drop analysts link to mass deportations, tighter border controls, expedited removals, and a sustained White House message that “the border is closed.”
Border apprehensions have fallen to levels not seen in decades, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports fewer illegal crossings. The administration credits both enforcement and deterrence — saying many are leaving on their own. Immigration advocates counter that fear of raids and workplace checks is pushing families into hiding or out of the country.
The shift is already reshaping the labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Current Population Survey shows one million fewer foreign-born workers on payrolls, while U.S.-born employment jumped by 2.5 million. Trump allies frame it as a win for American workers, potentially lifting wages in lower-skilled sectors. But employers in agriculture, construction, and healthcare warn of worsening labor shortages.
Researchers caution the numbers come with caveats. Some immigrants may now avoid participating in government surveys, inflating the apparent decline. Administrative records for legal immigration remain incomplete, adding uncertainty to the July estimate of 14.2 million illegal immigrants — down from 15.8 million in January.
Trump has seized on the figures as proof his policies are delivering. “We are putting American workers first,” he told supporters.
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