Chittenden County sees plunge in international migration

Vermont's largest county lost residents overall as immigration slowed amid Trump-era policies

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:55am

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Chittenden County, Vermont's most diverse region and home to many immigrant groups, saw a sharp decline in international migration between 2024 and 2025, according to new Census Bureau data. The county lost over 500 residents during that period, mirroring statewide population loss, with the drop in international arrivals cited as a key factor.

Why it matters

Immigration has long been a critical driver of population growth and economic vitality in Chittenden County and Vermont as a whole. The slowdown in international migration raises concerns about the state's ability to offset an aging, declining population and maintain a robust workforce to power key industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and the trades.

The details

The Census Bureau reported that Chittenden County saw a net gain of only 220 international migrants between 2024 and 2025, about half the gain it experienced the prior year. Combined with population loss from deaths and domestic migration, the county lost over 500 residents during that period. Experts attribute the decline to Trump administration policies that halted refugee resettlement programs and restricted H-1B worker visas, which had been a major source of international migration to Vermont.

  • Between 2024 and 2025, Chittenden County saw a net gain of 220 international migrants.
  • This was about half the net gain the county experienced between 2023 and 2024.

The players

Pablo Bose

A University of Vermont professor who studies international migration, and said the data was 'not at all surprising' given national-level trends in fewer immigrants coming to the United States.

Mike Pieciak

Vermont's Democratic State Treasurer, who expressed concern about the overall crackdown on immigration into the United States and its potential economic impacts for Vermont.

Kevin Chu

Head of the pro-business think tank Vermont Futures Project, which has advocated for setting a population goal of 802,000 by 2035 to bolster Vermont's economy.

Tino Rutanhira

Co-executive director of the Vermont Professionals of Color Network, who said some individuals are leaving Vermont due to the high cost of living and lack of affordable housing, as well as not feeling welcome in the state.

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What they’re saying

“International migration 'has been almost entirely driven by things like the refugee resettlement program,' so the end of those programs would logically result in lowered immigration figures.”

— Pablo Bose, University of Vermont professor

“'For example, I hear regularly from Canadians who say, 'We will not visit Vermont. We're not going to visit Vermont because of the rhetoric.' Because nobody trusts the country anymore as a reliable partner, but then you also hear people say they feel unsafe to come in.'”

— Mike Pieciak, Vermont State Treasurer

“'Housing is tight and expensive, and people just don't feel welcome here, and that affects whether they stay. If we want to reverse these trends, we must align our policies and investments, especially around building more housing, supporting pathways to economic opportunity, and creating an environment where BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) Vermonters feel like Vermont is a place they can call home.'”

— Tino Rutanhira, Co-executive director, Vermont Professionals of Color Network

What’s next

Experts say the loss of international migration could have significant economic impacts for Vermont, and that the state will need to focus on policies and investments to make the state more welcoming and affordable for immigrants and people of color in order to reverse these trends.

The takeaway

The steep decline in international migration to Vermont's largest and most diverse county highlights the far-reaching effects of the Trump administration's restrictive immigration policies, which have contributed to an overall population loss in the state. Reversing this trend will require concerted efforts to rebuild Vermont's reputation as a welcoming destination and address longstanding issues around housing affordability and economic opportunity for immigrant and minority communities.