7.5 lakh immigrant workers exited US workforce since Jan 2025: Pew study

United States: A new study by the Pew Research Centre has revealed that the immigrant population in the US—which had been steadily increasing for the past 50 years—has witnessed a dramatic reversal.

After US President Donald Trump began his second term in January 2025, his administration classified illegal immigration as a national threat and launched an aggressive crackdown.

In January 2025, the US recorded its highest immigrant population ever, with 53.3 million foreign-born residents. However, in the months that followed, more immigrants either left voluntarily or were deported than those who newly arrived.

Key findings of the Pew study:

1. Labour force decline: Nearly 7,50,000 immigrant workers have exited the US workforce since January 2025, creating visible gaps in several industries.

2. Visa scrutiny: The Trump administration is currently reviewing the records of 55 million foreign nationals holding temporary US visas—ranging from work permits to student and tourist visas—for possible revocation.

3. Population drop: By June, the number of immigrants living in the US fell to 51.9 million, down from the January high of 53.3 million.

4. Share of residents: Immigrants now make up 15.4 per cent of the total US population, compared to a recent peak of 15.8 per cent, signalling a clear demographic shift.

5. Workforce share: Immigrants account for 19 per cent of the U.S. labour force, down from 20 per cent, with the fall linked to the departure of over 7,50,000 workers since January.

6. Indian community in focus: As of mid-2023, Indian immigrants represent the second-largest immigrant group in the US, numbering 3.2 million—around 6 per cent of the total immigrant population.