Key Takeaways
• California’s population grew by 108,000 in 2024, reaching 39.5 million residents.
• Between 2020-2024, 934,000 immigrants arrived, offsetting 1.46 million leaving residents.
• Stricter 2025 federal policies increase deportations and threaten TPS and DACA protections.
California’s Population Growth Now Relies Entirely on Immigration
As of May 2025, California’s population story has taken a dramatic turn. For the second year in a row, the state’s population has grown—by 108,000 people in 2024—reaching 39,529,000 residents as of January 1, 2025. This growth comes after several years of decline and stagnation. But what’s most striking is that immigration is now the only reason California’s population is rising. Without new arrivals from other countries, the state would be shrinking.
Why is this happening? The answer lies in a mix of falling birth rates, more people moving out to other states, and a rebound in international migration after the pandemic. According to a new study from the UCLA Civil Rights Project released on May 20, 2025, only robust immigration can keep California’s population and workforce from shrinking further. The report warns that if immigration slows down, the state’s economy and communities could face serious problems.
Let’s break down what’s driving these changes, how new policies are affecting immigrants and their families, and what it all means for California’s future.
Immigration: The Only Source of Growth
Between 2020 and 2024, California added 934,000 international migrants—people who moved to the state from other countries. During the same period, it lost 1.46 million residents to other states. That means more people left California for places like Texas, Arizona, and Nevada than moved in from elsewhere in the United States. The only reason the state’s population didn’t drop even more is because of immigration.
Natural increase—the number of births minus the number of deaths—used to help California grow. But now, with fewer babies being born and more people dying (especially as the population ages), this is no longer enough to make up for the number of people leaving.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
- 2024: Population grew by 108,000 (revised upward from earlier estimates)
- 2023: Population grew by 192,219 (revised from 67,104)
- 2022: Population grew by 48,764 (revised from a previously estimated decrease)
Immigration is the only net positive contributor to California’s population growth. Without it, the state would be losing people every year.
Who Are California’s Immigrants?
California is home to one of the largest immigrant populations in the United States 🇺🇸. As of 2022:
- 10.4 million residents (about 27% of the state’s population) were born in another country.
- 1.85 million are estimated to be undocumented immigrants as of 2024.
- 46% of children in California have at least one immigrant parent.
- 34% of adults aged 25–54 (prime working age) are foreign-born.
These numbers show that immigrants are not just a small group—they are a huge part of California’s communities, workforce, and future.
Why Are People Leaving California?
While immigration is keeping the population afloat, many longtime residents are moving out. Between 2020 and 2024, 1.46 million people left California for other states. The reasons are complex but include:
- High housing costs
- Cost of living
- Job opportunities elsewhere
- Desire for more affordable lifestyles
This trend is not new, but it has picked up speed in recent years, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Federal Policies: Stricter Rules, More Deportations
In 2025, the federal government introduced stricter immigration enforcement. These changes include:
- Expanded detention and deportation, especially for undocumented immigrants and those with minor offenses
- New rules making it harder for people to apply for asylum at the border
- Legal challenges to California’s sanctuary policies, which protect some immigrants from federal enforcement
These policies have created uncertainty and fear in many immigrant communities. Families worry about being separated, and some people are afraid to access healthcare, education, or report crimes to the police.
Governor Gavin Newsom has spoken out in support of immigrants, saying, “People from across the nation and the globe are coming to the Golden State to pursue the California Dream, where rights are protected and people are respected.” But the clash between state and federal policies is growing.
How Policy Changes Affect Different Groups
Asylum Seekers
- New applications at the border are no longer allowed.
- Those already in the United States 🇺🇸 can still apply for asylum and renew work permits after 150 days.
- The process is slower and more difficult, with fewer people qualifying for protection.
TPS and DACA Holders
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) offer some immigrants protection from deportation and permission to work.
- In 2025, these protections are under threat. Expiration dates are getting shorter, and some people may lose their status.
- It’s important for TPS and DACA holders to check expiration dates and talk to immigration lawyers for advice.
Undocumented Immigrants
- Risk of detention and deportation is higher than before, even for minor offenses.
- Many families are living in fear, and some are avoiding public services or police.
The Economic Impact: Why Immigration Matters for California
Immigrants are essential to California’s economy. They work in key industries like:
- Agriculture: Many farmworkers are immigrants, both documented and undocumented.
- Technology: Immigrants help fill jobs in Silicon Valley and other tech hubs.
- Hospitality and Service: Hotels, restaurants, and cleaning services rely on immigrant workers.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, if immigration is reduced, California could face labor shortages in these and other industries. This would make it harder for businesses to find workers, slow down economic growth, and even lead to higher prices for consumers.
The UCLA Civil Rights Project report says that only large-scale, strategic immigration can solve the state’s workforce and population problems. Without it, California’s economy could stagnate.
Social Services and Community Stability
Immigrants also play a big role in California’s schools, hospitals, and neighborhoods. But increased enforcement and deportations can:
- Separate families, leaving children without parents or caregivers
- Make people afraid to use healthcare or report crimes
- Hurt trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement
Sanctuary policies—local laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities—are meant to protect immigrants and keep communities safe. But these policies are now under threat from federal legal challenges. If they are overturned, California could lose federal funding and see more tension between immigrants and police.
Multiple Perspectives: Supporters and Critics
Pro-Immigration Advocates
Supporters say immigrants are the backbone of California’s economy and culture. They point out that:
- Immigrants fill jobs that are hard to fill otherwise
- They start businesses, pay taxes, and contribute to local communities
- California’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths
Critics and Economic Realists
Some people worry that:
- Immigration puts pressure on schools, hospitals, and other public services
- There is competition for low-wage jobs
- Out-migration of native-born residents is a sign that the state is becoming less affordable
Federal vs. State Tensions
The fight over immigration policy is also a fight between the federal government and California’s leaders. The state wants to protect immigrants and keep families together, while federal officials are pushing for stricter enforcement. This ongoing battle affects real people every day.
Historical Background: How Did We Get Here?
- 1990s–2000s: California grew quickly, thanks to both domestic and international migration.
- 2010–2020: Growth slowed down. Fewer babies were born, more people died, and more residents moved to other states.
- 2020–2024: The pandemic made things worse, with even more people leaving and fewer immigrants arriving. But in the last two years, international migration has picked up again, becoming the only reason for population growth.
The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) notes that while immigration has rebounded since the pandemic, it’s still not as high as it was in the past. And with more people leaving for other states, the balance is fragile.
What’s Next for California’s Population?
Future Projections
- California’s population is expected to plateau around 40 million by 2050—much lower than earlier predictions of 60 million.
- If immigration is restricted further, the state could start shrinking again.
- An aging population means there will be fewer working-age adults to support the economy and pay for services.
Policy Uncertainty
- Federal actions could make it even harder for immigrants to come to California or stay here legally.
- Sanctuary policies could be overturned, leading to more deportations and family separations.
- The state’s leaders and experts are calling for strategic, inclusive immigration policies to keep California strong.
What Should Immigrants and Their Families Do?
If you or your family are affected by these changes, here are some steps to consider:
- Asylum seekers: If you are already in the United States 🇺🇸, you can still apply for asylum and renew your work permit after 150 days. For more information, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Asylum page.
- TPS and DACA holders: Check your expiration dates regularly. Talk to an immigration lawyer or a trusted advocacy group for help.
- Undocumented immigrants: Be aware of your rights. Avoid minor legal trouble, as even small offenses can now lead to detention or deportation.
- All immigrants: Stay informed about policy changes. Reach out to local organizations, such as the ACLU of California or immigrant rights groups, for support and legal advice.
Where to Find Official Information
- California Department of Finance – Demographic Research Unit: For up-to-date population data and projections.
- Governor’s Office: gov.ca.gov
- UCLA Civil Rights Project: civilrightsproject.ucla.edu
- Public Policy Institute of California: ppic.org
- USCIS Asylum Information: USCIS Asylum
The Bottom Line
Immigration is now the only thing keeping California’s population from shrinking. Without new arrivals from other countries, the state would be losing people every year. This has huge implications for the economy, schools, healthcare, and the future of California’s communities.
Recent federal policy changes have made life harder for many immigrants, especially those without legal status or with temporary protections. At the same time, state leaders and experts are urging more inclusive, strategic immigration policies to keep California growing and thriving.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the state’s future depends on its ability to welcome and integrate immigrants, support families, and balance the needs of all residents. For now, immigration remains the key to California’s population growth and economic health.
Action Steps for Readers:
- If you are an immigrant or have family members who are, stay informed about changing policies.
- Seek legal advice if your status is at risk.
- Employers and community leaders should support efforts to protect immigrant workers and families.
- Policymakers must consider the real-life impact of immigration laws on California’s future.
California’s story is still being written, but one thing is clear: immigration is at the heart of its growth, diversity, and success. The choices made today will shape the state for generations to come.
Learn Today
Immigration → The movement of people into California from other countries for permanent residence or work.
Undocumented Immigrants → Individuals living in California without lawful authorization or legal immigration status.
DACA → Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals; protection from deportation and work permits for eligible young immigrants.
Sanctuary Policies → State laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect immigrant communities.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A temporary immigration status for eligible nationals from designated countries under unsafe conditions.
This Article in a Nutshell
California’s population growth now depends solely on immigration, with 108,000 new arrivals in 2024. Falling birth rates and out-migration challenge growth, while new federal enforcement policies raise risks for immigrants. The state’s economy and communities rely on inclusive immigration policies to maintain workforce stability and future prosperity.
— By VisaVerge.com
