Hold onto your hats, ChumCity folks! New numbers from the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) show a significant dip in international migration to our state. We're talking a roughly 60% drop over the last year! Looks like the immigration boom is cooling off nationwide. According to PARCA's analysis, based on the latest Census Bureau estimates, Alabama saw a decrease of 13,156 international migrants. Arrivals plummeted from around 22,100 in 2024 to roughly 8,900 in 2025. Ouch! PARCA points to changes in policies and enforcement, affecting both authorized and unauthorized immigration. They mention a post-Biden surge followed by stricter measures that have curbed crossings. And with the current administration, authorized immigration has also taken a hit. Even moving within the US into Alabama slowed a bit, down by 1,595 people. But hey, we're still holding our own, ranking 11th nationally in domestic migration! In-migration is super crucial because, sadly, more people are passing away than being born here. Without new folks moving in, our population would actually shrink! Despite the migration slowdown, Alabama's population still nudged up by about 30,000 residents (around 1%), hitting an estimated 5.2 million. We ranked 15th nationally in total population growth and 20th in percentage growth. Not bad! Southern states continue to be the place to be, outpacing most other regions in population growth. South Carolina is leading the pack in growth rate, while Texas saw the biggest jump in raw numbers. North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee are also drawing crowds. Here's a kicker: Alabama historically isn't a major magnet for international migrants. We rank 42nd nationally in international immigration rate. Something to think about, ChumCity!Alabama's International Migration Takes a Dive!
What's the Story?
Why the Decline?
Domestic Migration Matters Too
Alabama Still Growing, Just Slower
Southern States Still Hot
Alabama's Historical Trends
