For the first time in about 60 years, the number of immigrants living in the U.S. has declined.

Data from Pew Research Center shows the number of migrants living in this country dropped by 1.4 million people in the first six months of the year.

What You Need To Know

  • For the first time in about 60 years, the number of immigrants living in the U.S. has declined

  • Data from Pew Research Center shows the number of migrants living in this country dropped by 1.4 million people in the first six months of the year
  • Nationwide, immigrants now make up 15.4% of the U.S. population, down from a historic high of 15.8% just six months ago

  • Immigrants make up 19% of the U.S. labor force, according to the Pew Research Center

Immigrant advocates like Power Malu from Artists, Athletes, Activists says the decline is tied to shifting federal policies and families already here choosing to leave.

“We are seeing a lot of people voluntarily deporting themselves. A lot of it has to do with them suffering so much here, being tired of having to live in hiding,” Malu said.

Even with more than 34,000 migrants still in the city’s care, advocates warn that number doesn’t reflect those leaving or avoiding the system.

“What we’re going to see is a lot more worker shortages. We’re going to see a lot more people seeking work but can’t work because they don’t have work authorization,” Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, said.

Awawdeh’s concern lines up with the numbers. Immigrants make up 19% of the U.S. labor force, down from 20% earlier this year, the Pew Research Center says. That’s a loss of more than 750,000 workers since January.

“Since day one of this administration, they have waged war against immigrants,” Awawdeh said.

The White House says they are cracking down on immigration as many “present significant threats to national security and public safety” and create an economic burden.

“We are targeting those individuals that are perpetuators of crimes in this country, those who have final removal orders, those who have undergone due process, and are needing to be removed from this country. We will do that,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.

Now, the State Department is reviewing more than 55 million visas for possible revocation, a move immigrant groups say only fuels uncertainty.

“The Trump administration continues to sow mass fear, panic and chaos in our communities to push people deeper into the shadows,” Awawdeh said.

Nationwide, immigrants now make up 15.4% of the U.S. population, down from a historic high of 15.8% just six months ago.