Between 2023 and 2024, Massachusetts saw a population growth of 1.9%, largely due to immigration. Despite apprehensions over potential declines in future years due to stricter federal policies, experts recognize immigration as crucial for the state's demographic resilience. In 2024, approximately 90,000 immigrants arrived while 27,500 left. The state's growth not only facilitates increased federal funding but also enhances Congressional representation. Experts stress that ongoing changes in immigration policies and regulations could threaten this upward trend in population.
When you look at statewide figures as longer term trends, immigration has been saving our butts," said Peter Ciurczak, a senior research analyst at Boston Indicators.
It's hard to say where we're going to wind up," said Ciurczak. "I think we're in uncharted territory in terms of all of the potential impacts.
Population growth is essential because it leads to increased federal appropriations for funding resources and greater representation in Congress.
Immigration dynamics are critical to Massachusetts' population growth, but shifting federal policies may jeopardize these gains.
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