America’s immigrant population is shrinking for the first time in decades.

A new Pew Research Center review of census data shows that roughly 1.5 million immigrants have left the U.S. this year.

While the analysis does not specify which groups are departing, the decline is believed to be tied largely to a reduction in the number of unauthorized immigrants, following the Trump administration’s tougher immigration policies.

The White House told Scripps News the figures prove President Trump is “delivering on his promise” to enforce mass deportations.

Fewer immigrants means more job opportunities, higher wages, better benefits, better job security,” said Kevin Lynn of the Institute for Sound Public Policy, a group that opposes expanding immigration.

However, some economists caution that a shrinking immigrant population could hurt the economy.

“Immigrants are generally good for the economy,” said economics professor Tarek Hassan.

Hassan has studied the effects of immigration on the labor market.

“When you deport a large number of people, they essentially take the jobs that they had with them,” Hassan said.

According to the American Immigration Council, immigrants contributed $1.7 trillion in spending in 2023 and accounted for nearly one-fifth of the U.S. workforce.

Hassan adds that the administration’s stance on foreign-born students could hinder future economic growth.

“The best and brightest that we attract to this country are also an engine for growth,” Hassan said.

“Losing those people will lose us innovation patents, will lose as research, and will lose us productivity growth in the next five years.”