Virginia sees surge in 'self-deporting' immigrants

Carytown business closures reflect broader demographic shifts in the state

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A new report has found that the number of immigrants 'self-deporting' from Virginia has multiplied by a factor of 17 over the past several years, leading to the closure of many immigrant-owned businesses in neighborhoods like Richmond's Carytown district.

Why it matters

The rise in self-deportation reflects broader demographic changes in Virginia, as the state's immigrant population has declined amid tougher immigration policies and economic pressures. This has had a significant impact on local communities and small businesses that relied on immigrant customers and labor.

The details

The report found that the number of immigrants voluntarily leaving Virginia increased from around 500 per year to over 8,500 per year in recent years. This has led to the closure of many immigrant-owned businesses, including the longtime Mitchem's Shoe Repair shop in the Carytown neighborhood of Richmond.

  • The number of immigrants 'self-deporting' from Virginia has multiplied by a factor of 17 in recent years.
  • Mitchem's Shoe Repair, a longtime immigrant-owned business in Richmond's Carytown, has closed down.

The players

Carytown

A neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia that has seen the closure of many immigrant-owned businesses due to the rise in self-deportation.

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The takeaway

The surge in self-deportation among Virginia's immigrant population has had a significant impact on local communities, leading to the closure of many small businesses that relied on immigrant customers and labor. This demographic shift reflects broader changes in the state's population and economy.