Written by Paul Kiefer / Wisconsin Watch, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
April 5, 2026
International Immigration Decline in Wisconsin Reflects National Trends
The recent reelection of President Donald Trump has coincided with a significant decrease in international immigration to Wisconsin, paralleling a broader economic downturn marked by reduced visas and border crossings. According to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, the state experienced a stark drop in international migration, with just over 7,200 residents gained in the fiscal year 2024-2025, compared to more than 22,000 the previous year—representing a 67% decline.
Impact on State Population Growth
Despite this steep reduction in net international migration, Wisconsin’s total population grew by approximately 16,000 residents during the same period, translating to a growth rate of about 0.2%. However, nearly all counties in Wisconsin reported a double-digit decline in net overseas migration. In some areas, the number of residents departing exceeded those arriving from abroad.
Variation Across Counties
In areas where international migration did increase, the numbers remained modest. For instance, Shawano County welcomed 29 international immigrants in 2025, a slight rise from 24 the previous year. It is important to note that the Census Bureau’s definition of international migration encompasses both internal relocations and cross-border movements, including military personnel and individuals traveling from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States.
Decrease in Legal Immigration Numbers
The decline in international migration can largely be attributed to the significant reduction in both legal and unauthorized immigration. The U.S. State Department reported that it issued approximately 250,000 fewer visas during the first eight months of 2025 compared to the same timeframe in 2024. Additionally, around 60,000 fewer refugees were admitted in fiscal year 2025 than in the prior year. Moreover, encounters between Border Patrol agents and migrants along the U.S.-Mexico border have reached levels not seen in half a century.
Immigration Court Trends
Federal immigration court records highlight a similar trend. Only 198 immigrants with Wisconsin addresses appeared in immigration court for the first time in February 2025, a sharp drop from around 2,400 at the height of activity in March 2024. Over the past decade, more than 43,000 immigrants listed Wisconsin as their residence when entering the court system, but three-quarters of these cases remain unresolved.
Population Dynamics in Milwaukee
Wisconsin’s diverse population dynamics are further illustrated in Milwaukee County. Without international migration, the county would have faced a net loss of more than 2,000 residents in 2025. In reality, it lost just over 100 residents, as a natural increase helped offset some out-migration. However, internal migration accounted for a loss of nearly 5,000 residents in the county.
Continued Concerns About Immigration
Even as international immigration rates plummet, concerns about immigration persist among Wisconsin’s Republican voters. A recent poll from Marquette University Law School revealed that 77% of Republicans expressed significant worries about illegal immigration and border security. In contrast, only 54% indicated similar concerns about inflation and the rising cost of living, issues that dominate discussions among Democrats and independents.
