New data released on 27/1 by the U.S. Census Bureau indicates a significant slowdown in the nation's population growth. From 30/6/2024 to 1/7/2025, the U.S. population increased by 1,8 million, reaching nearly 342 million people. This growth rate, approximately 0,5%, marks the lowest since 2021.

A primary factor contributing to this slowdown is the reduced number of immigrants entering the U.S. During the same period, immigrant arrivals totaled nearly 1,3 million, a notable decrease from the 2,7 million recorded in the prior comparable period. This figure is anticipated to fall further throughout President Donald Trump's term, as immigration control remains a key priority for his administration.

U.S. population growth has slowed for decades, largely due to declining birth rates. From 7/2024 to 7/2025, the number of births in the U.S. exceeded deaths by 519.000. While this level is relatively stable compared to last year, it represents a sharp decline from the beginning of the decade. In 2017, births outnumbered deaths by nearly 1,1 million people.

The new data highlights a continuing trend of declining birth rates, with immigration no longer offsetting this situation as effectively as in previous years. U.S. media analysis suggests that border closures are a primary reason for this. Additionally, other factors include increasing difficulty in obtaining visas, along with foreign citizens actively choosing not to come to the U.S. or voluntarily leaving.

A mother and child play in the snow at a park in New York, U.S. on 26/1. _Photo: AP_

The analysis also indicates that deportations have had only a minor impact, even though the Trump administration intensified efforts to remove immigrants from the U.S. during its first year in office. Approximately 230.000 people were deported in 2025.

Population growth is a key indicator of a nation's demographic health. The U.S. needs to ensure a sufficiently large young workforce and taxpayer base to fund benefits for the Baby Boomer generation, those born between 1946-1964 who are now retiring. However, the U.S. birth rate has continuously declined since the 2008 recession.

Demographer Kenneth Johnson from the University of New Hampshire emphasized that "immigration is a key factor in maintaining U.S. growth this decade." He noted that immigration contributed 40% to population growth during the 2010-2020 period, but this figure has now risen to 80%.

Julia Gelatt from the Migration Policy Institute warned that reduced immigration amidst low birth rates is "a recipe for poor economic growth and declining international competitiveness."

Ngoc Anh (According to Reuters, CBS News)