America's immigrant population is declining for the first time in decades.

A new Pew Research Center analysis of census data found about 1.5 million immigrants have left the U.S. this year.

The data doesn't say exactly who is leaving, but the report notes the drop is likely driven by a fall in the number of unauthorized immigrants amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

The White House tells Scripps News the data shows President Trump is "Delivering on his promise" to carry out mass deportation.

"Fewer immigrants means more job opportunities, higher wages, better benefits, better job security," said Kevin Lynn, with the Institute for Sound Public Policy, which opposes increased immigration.

But some economists worry a declining immigrant population could have a negative

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