In January, President Donald Trump returned to Washington with a clear mandate from many Americans to address the issue of mass migration.
Yet, paradoxically, that same month marked a record high in the foreign-born population living within the United States.
This demographic milestone has sparked intense debate about the future of America as a nation and an empire.
Is it too late to save America from the consequences of mass migration?
If America is saved, will it remain fundamentally the same country, or will it be irrevocably changed?

Victor Davis Hanson, a California farmer, historian, and classicist, confronts these questions daily.
He witnesses firsthand the realities of demographic shifts on the ground, while his deep knowledge of history informs his understanding of the broader implications.
Hanson draws parallels between the United States today and the Roman Empire of antiquity, cautioning that regimes and empires that fail to confront mass migration often face decline or transformation.

The demographic changes in the United States are not merely statistics; they represent profound shifts in culture, politics, and identity.
The foreign-born population hitting a record high signals a new chapter in American history—one filled with both opportunity and uncertainty.
For many, the influx of immigrants enriches the nation’s cultural fabric and fuels economic growth.
For others, it raises concerns about social cohesion, national security, and the preservation of traditional values.

Hanson’s perspective is grounded in his experience as a farmer in California, a state emblematic of these demographic and cultural tensions.
California’s regulatory environment is paradoxical: it is both a land of opportunity and a place where bureaucratic complexity often stifles innovation and growth.
This paradox reflects the broader challenges facing the American empire—balancing openness with control, diversity with unity.

The Hispanic community, which constitutes a significant portion of the immigrant population, offers a nuanced viewpoint on these changes.
Many Hispanic Americans cherish the opportunities the United States provides and contribute significantly to its economy and culture.
Yet, there is also a sense of unease about political representation and the direction of national policies.
This duality underscores the complexity of immigration as an issue—it is not simply about numbers but about integration, identity, and shared values.

Historically, the United States has been a nation of immigrants, and its strength has often derived from its ability to assimilate diverse peoples into a common national identity.
However, the scale and speed of recent migration have challenged this traditional model.
Hanson draws a historical parallel to the Roman Empire, which faced similar pressures from mass migration and cultural integration.
Rome’s eventual decline was, in part, a consequence of failing to manage these demographic shifts effectively.

The question now is whether America will learn from history or repeat it.
Will the United States adapt its institutions and policies to the new realities of a diverse population, or will it succumb to fragmentation and decline?
This question is especially urgent in the context of globalization and shifting geopolitical power dynamics.

American influence in the world has been a defining feature of the post-World War II era.
The United States shaped global institutions, promoted democracy, and projected military power across continents.
Yet, the rise of multipolarity—where power is distributed among multiple states rather than dominated by a single superpower—challenges this unipolar order.
Nationalism is resurging worldwide as countries assert their sovereignty and cultural identity in response to globalization’s pressures.

Within this global context, anti-American sentiments have grown in some regions, fueled by perceptions of American arrogance or interventionism.
Hanson notes that this backlash is not new but echoes historical patterns where dominant powers face resistance from those they influence or control.
Europe’s economic and social decline further complicates the picture, as it struggles with its own demographic challenges and identity crises.

In contrast, former President Trump’s foreign policy emphasized practical morality and national interest, seeking to recalibrate America’s role in the world.
His approach reflected a desire to prioritize American sovereignty and economic concerns over global idealism.
This stance resonated with many Americans who felt that their country was being taken for granted or exploited in international affairs.

Economic concerns loom large in the debate about America’s future.
Mass migration affects labor markets, public services, and social welfare systems.
While immigrants contribute to economic growth, their integration requires careful management to avoid social strain.
The future projections for the American economy depend on how well the country balances these factors.

Institutional corruption and political polarization further complicate efforts to address these challenges.
Hanson warns of a “counter-revolution” wherein citizens push back against entrenched interests and seek to restore national integrity.
This movement reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the status quo and a desire for meaningful change.

In conclusion, the question of whether the age of the American empire is over or just beginning is deeply tied to the nation’s ability to manage demographic change and preserve its core identity.
The United States stands at a crossroads, facing historic challenges reminiscent of those that once confronted the Roman Empire.
How America responds will shape not only its own future but also the global order.

If America can harness the energy and diversity of its immigrant population while maintaining social cohesion and effective governance, it may enter a new era of strength and influence.
If it fails to do so, the consequences could be profound, leading to fragmentation and decline.

Victor Davis Hanson’s insights remind us that history offers lessons but no guarantees.
The fate of the American empire depends on choices made today—choices about immigration, identity, governance, and global engagement.
As citizens and leaders grapple with these issues, the world watches closely, knowing that the future of the United States remains pivotal for global stability and progress.

The story of America is still being written.
Whether this chapter marks the end of an empire or the dawn of a new one depends on the resolve and wisdom of its people.