• The U.S. population grew by just 1.8 million in 2025, the slowest rate since 2021.
• Immigration's decline contributed significantly to the drop, with net increases halving compared to previous years.
• Trump administration policies are linked to the lower population growth rate and workforce implications.
• Most U.S. states experienced slowed growth, with notable declines in five states, including California and Vermont.
• The Census Bureau reports show that birth rates have not compensated for the decline in immigration.

The U.S. population has increased by only 1.8 million people, or approximately 0.5%, making this the slowest growth rate since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This figure reflects a significant decline in immigration, as the foreign-born population grew by just 1.3 million in 2025, a drop from 2.7 million the previous year, according to CBS News and Reuters.

The decline in net international migration is attributed to both lower legal immigration and higher rates of voluntary or forced departures among those without legal status. The Census Bureau warns that, if current trends persist, net immigration might decrease even further, potentially reaching as low as 321,000 by July 2026, according to NPR and LA Times.

Demographic experts highlight that this slowdown in population growth has substantial implications for the U.S. economy, particularly affecting labor supply in fields like construction. "The big takeaway is... the Trump administration and even the end of the Biden administration made a big difference," commented Steven Camarota, Director of Research at the Center for Immigration Studies, as reported by CBS News and LA Times.

The rate of population decline was observed across nearly all states, with Montana and West Virginia being exceptions. Notably, California, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Vermont experienced population decreases, while South Carolina and others like Idaho, North Carolina, Texas, and Utah saw growth. Overall, these trends show a significant shift in U.S. demographics likely influenced by immigration policy changes and economic conditions, according to Reuters and CBS News.