America could be on the verge of the first population decline in its 250-year history, as a result of a falling birth rate and President Donald Trump 's crackdown on illegal immigration.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population was approximately 340.1 million at the end of last year, up from around 338.5 million the year before. However, some believe that the policies of the current administration could drive down net migration and push population growth negative in 2025.

"The demographics of aging and low births are inescapable," said economist Giovanni Peri, "and with the current tightening of the immigrant population—the only part that prevented the decline—a decline in population is assured."

Why It Matters

As economists previously explained to Newsweek, a declining

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