America’s biggest metro areas are seeing population growth slow sharply as immigration drops under tougher Trump administration policies. New Census Bureau data shows all 56 major US metro areas recorded lower international migration in 2025.
Cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and Dallas were hit the hardest. New York’s population growth fell from more than 291,000 to just 32,000 in one year. Los Angeles even shifted back into population decline.
Experts say stricter immigration policies and rising deportations are reducing workforce growth and hurting local economies. Many urban areas depend heavily on immigrants to support jobs, businesses, and tax revenues. If immigration continues slowing, economists warn major US cities could face long-term demographic and economic challenges.
