Amidst the national uproar over the Minnesota shooting incident, the Trump administration has begun to celebrate. On January 27, local time, the U.S. Census Bureau released data showing a sharp slowdown in U.S. population growth, with the number of net international migrants plummeting. According to estimates, from July 2024 to June 2025, the total U.S. population growth rate slowed to 0.5%, adding 1.8 million people (including 1.3 million new international migrants and 500,000 from natural change), bringing the population size close to 342 million. During this statistical period, the U.S. net international immigration—the number of people moving in minus those moving out—was only about half of the previous year's figure (2.7 million), marking the lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 (400,000). This outcome has pleased the Trump administration considerably. On the 29th, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reposted the report on social media platform X, claiming that its large-scale deportation operations helped achieve the so-called "negative net-migration" goal championed by the Trump administration. In a statement, the department said, "Within one year of the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration, nearly 3 million illegal immigrants have left the United States." However, the latest population estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau do not support the conclusion of "negative growth" in U.S. net international immigration mentioned above. "The primary reason for the slowdown in U.S. population growth is a historic decline in net international migration," said Kristin Hartley, Assistant Director of the Census Bureau's Population Estimates and Projections Division. "Birth and death rates remained relatively stable compared to the previous year." The data also mentioned that, similar to the national trend, net international migration decreased in all states during the period compared to the previous year, but remained positive. Fox News noted that last August, the White House had already celebrated achieving the so-called "negative net migration" goal. Like the Department of Homeland Security, Trump credited this to ending the "immigration invasion" and the large-scale deportation operations led by Homeland Security Secretary Noem. At the time, Noem claimed that 1.6 million illegal immigrants had "left" the United States in the first 200 days of Trump's term. She said, "This is significant. It means safer streets, savings for taxpayers, reduced pressure on schools and hospitals, and better job opportunities for Americans. Thank you, President Trump." Tom Homan, a Trump advisor and the so-called "Border Czar," once stated that 90% of asylum seekers would ultimately receive deportation orders due to false statements. As summarized by The Wall Street Journal on the 28th, the first population estimates for 2025 released by the U.S. Census Bureau confirm several major trends: immigration patterns have shifted significantly as the U.S. strengthened border controls and increased deportations. The report stated that in the 12 months ending June 30, 2025, the total U.S. population grew by approximately 0.5%, a growth rate only about half of the previous year's. Data shows that U.S. birth and death rates saw only minor fluctuations, remaining largely flat. The primary change was the slowdown in net migration growth. In the latter part of the Biden administration, the net international migration figure for the preceding 12 months up to mid-2024 was unusually high, reflecting the massive influx of migrants at that time. However, as the Biden administration tightened immigration policies towards the end of its term, and the Trump administration further strengthened border controls and pushed for more deportations upon taking office, the numbers quickly fell back. Last year, net international migration decreased in all U.S. states. But these estimates also reveal some unexpected changes in interstate population movements. For instance, some parts of the Midwest saw net population inflows from within the U.S. for the first time in years. The largest declines occurred in states that were already less attractive to immigrants, such as West Virginia. Some large states saw the most pronounced population declines. Among them, California, the most populous state, experienced a slight population decrease. Estimates indicate that in recent years, California has consistently been a net exporter of population to other states, with outflows far exceeding inflows. Florida remains a major hotspot overall, continuing to experience net population growth. However, high housing prices in Florida's Miami area are causing a continuous loss of population. For many middle-class Americans, the dream of "retiring to Florida" is gradually fading due to the high cost of housing. South Carolina remains the state with the fastest-growing immigrant population in the nation. The data shows that housing prices are also a factor influencing changes in U.S. migration trends. The Northeast and West, with their high housing costs, continue to be net exporters of migrants to other regions. In contrast, the Midwest, with its relatively affordable housing, saw a modest net domestic inflow for the first time. Overall, the report stated that the slowdown in U.S. population growth in 2025 is primarily driven by tighter immigration policies, while domestic migration patterns show subtle shifts: the South continues to lead, the Midwest has begun to stabilize and rebound, and traditional hotspots like California and Florida are facing pressure.