Trump immigration policies and an aging population slow U.S. growth

The Congressional Budget Office projects the U.S. population will reach about 364 million in 30 years — roughly 15 million more than today and 2.2% below last year’s estimate — and cites stricter immigration measures and an aging population as influences on the revision.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects the U.S. population will grow by about 15 million over the next 30 years, reaching roughly 364 million. That forecast is 2.2% smaller than the CBO’s estimate a year earlier and reflects, in part, stricter immigration measures under the current administration and an aging population. The agency also projects the nation’s total population will stop growing in 2056 and says that without immigration the population would begin to shrink as soon as 2030. Key points: - The Congressional Budget Office projects a U.S. population of about 364 million in 30 years, an increase of roughly 15 million and 2.2% lower than last year’s projection. - The CBO projects population growth will end in 2056 and that, without immigration, the population would begin shrinking around 2030. - The agency links the revised estimate partly to stricter immigration measures and to demographic trends such as aging and lower fertility. - Analysts say fewer immigrants and lower birth rates reduce future workforce growth and add pressure to Social Security and Medicare funding. Summary: The CBO’s revised projection signals slower workforce growth and increased fiscal pressure on entitlement programs as the population ages. Undetermined at this time.