Immigration Helped Population Rebound
As the white population continues to decrease in proportion to other racial and ethnic groups, this shift is primarily driven by two factors: an aging population and lower birth rates among white Americans. The latest U.S. Census Bureau data showed how immigration helped population rebound across the country's largest counties.
“When the focus is narrowed to white people who aren’t Hispanic and identify only with a single race, there was a decline of more than 668,000 people in the white population since the number of immigrants couldn’t overcome the steep drop in natural decrease that came from deaths outnumbering births last year,” writes Mike Schneider in an Associated Press article.
Aging Population and Declining Birth Rates in the U.S.
One of the key contributors to the decreasing white population in the United States is an aging demographic. The baby boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964, is reaching retirement age, leading to a substantial increase in the elderly population. As this generation continues to age, the proportion of whites in the overall population decreases, as younger generations from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds take up a larger share.
Furthermore, lower birth rates among white Americans have contributed to the declining population. Factors such as delayed marriages, increased education levels, and economic considerations have led to a decrease in the number of children per household. This trend has resulted in a smaller proportion of white births, compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the white population accounted for approximately 76% of the total U.S. population in 1990. By 2020, this figure had decreased to around 60%, and projections suggest it will continue to decline in the coming years.
The Role of Immigration in U.S. Population
Immigration has played a crucial role in offsetting the declining white population and maintaining a stable overall population in the United States. The arrival of immigrants from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds has contributed to population growth, economic vitality, and cultural diversity.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that immigration has played a significant role in the U.S. population growth, with the immigrant population projected to become the primary driver of population increase in the future. Immigrants and their descendants have filled gaps in the labor market, started businesses, and contributed to the country's economic stability.
Immigration also drove Asian growth specifically last year, per Census data, accounting for two-thirds of the 577,000-person increase in people who identify as Asian, including those who identify with more than one race. That 2.4% bump was the largest of any race or ethnic group, and there were 24.6 million Asians in the U.S. last year.
The Future of U.S. Population
Immigration has helped to rejuvenate certain regions and communities that were experiencing population decline or stagnation. Immigrants often settle in areas that are experiencing a shortage of workers or are in need of revitalization, injecting new energy and diversity into these communities.
The white population in the United States is undergoing a steady decline due to an aging demographic and lower birth rates. These factors have significant implications for the nation's population composition, economy, and social fabric.
However, immigrants have played a vital role in maintaining a stable population and contributing to the nation's growth. By welcoming immigrants from diverse backgrounds, the United States can address demographic challenges, stimulate economic development, and foster a vibrant multicultural society for future generations.
