Local and national politicians often tout the phrase “Diversity is our strength,” championing the idea that immigration—especially illegal immigration—is as deeply American as baseball, hot dogs, and apple pie.
For Detroit, this sentiment takes on a special significance, given the city’s unique demographic changes and the role immigration plays in shaping its future. Data from the Census Bureau shows that many native Michiganders are leaving the state, while immigrants from Central America and Asia are moving in.
In an interview with The Detroit News, state Rep. Ranjeev Puri—a Democrat from Canton—called the emerging demographic shift “exciting news.”
“The ethnic diversity of Michigan is one of the strong suits,” Puri said. “All of that woven into Michigan makes it a much better place.”
According to recent Census data, Detroit stands out as a key center for immigrant population growth, both within Michigan and nationwide. However, this surge in immigration is accompanied by a troubling trend: Native Michiganders are leaving the state in large numbers.
The new Vintage 2024 Population Estimates shows the gravity of the situation. According to recent data, the Hispanic population in Macomb and Oakland counties has grown by 10% since 2020, according to The Detroit News. The next largest increase is among Asian residents, who saw an 8% rise between 2023 and 2024.
While it’s not a problem with more Hispanic or Asian American citizens moving to Michigan, the reality is that many are not American citizens. Additionally, native-born Michiganders have been steadily leaving the state in large numbers for some time.
Census data shows that Michigan’s population growth in recent years has been primarily driven by “international migration,” with an influx of 67,608 people between July 2023 and July 2024—a record-breaking figure for the state.
About 30,000 of these residents moved into Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, according to the Detroit News. Conversely, in 2024, 7,656 Michiganders left the state. What is the impact of this vast number of immigrants coming to Detroit, you may be asking?
Lex Zavala, the Hispanic Development Coordinator for Metro Detroit, told The Detroit News he is welcoming the arrival of Central American migrants. Having grown up in Detroit, he recalls a time when hardly anyone spoke Spanish—now, he says, everyone does.
However the legal status of many of these immigrants remains ambiguous. Zavala reports that since the local Trump immigration crackdowns, the migrants are scared to go outside.
“The Latino population is scared to go out. It’s almost back to COVID lockdown,” Zavala said.
“Our business district is empty now. Restaurants and construction can’t find enough workers to fill their space.”
What Zavala may overlook is that a native-born Michigander—like the thousands leaving the state—is just as capable of filling that role.
While some Michigan lawmakers, like Puri, celebrate this demographic shift as “exciting news,” others raise concerns about its economic impact.
In response to concerns about hiring practices, Michigan state Sen. Jim Runestad has proposed legislation aimed at protecting the American workforce, including Senate Bill 444, which would require employers to use the federal E-Verify system when hiring new workers.
Runestead told WILX 10 the bill protects American workers.
“If you look at the underclass income, the working-class income, they’ve not increased since the ’70s,” Runestad told WILX. “If you look at the numbers coming in from illegal immigration, it’s a very close correlation.”
As Michigan’s population growth becomes increasingly tied to international migration, the state finds itself at a crossroads.
While some celebrate the cultural and economic contributions of new arrivals, others raise valid concerns about job displacement, legal status, and the long-term effects their presence will have on native-born residents.
Ray Hilbrich is a contributor to Michigan Enjoyer and former minor league baseball player. He is an avid enjoyer of sports, America, and a good cigar.
