The United States recorded negative net migration in 2025 for the first time in over half a century, according to a Brookings Institution report. The shift stems from the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdown. Brookings estimates net flows between -295,000 and -10,000 for the year, driven by a sharp drop in entries and increased enforcement leading to removals and voluntary departures.

The report attributes the decline to suspended humanitarian programs, fewer refugee admissions, and a reduction in temporary visas. While DHS claims over 600,000 removals, Brookings estimates a lower figure of 310,000 to 315,000. Most 2025 removals originated from the interior via Customs and Border Protection, a departure from previous years where Immigration and Customs Enforcement took the lead.

Economic fallout is already predicted. The slowdown implies weaker employment, GDP, and consumer spending growth, with consumer spending expected to fall by between $60 billion and $110 billion through 2026. Funding from Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' is expected to boost staffing and infrastructure, likely increasing removals next year and deepening the net loss.