A recent Congressional Budget Office report indicates that without immigration, the U.S. population could start to decline by 2030. As we near the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, this prediction highlights a concerning reality: the erosion of marriage and family structures poses a significant threat to the nation’s future.
In response, the Heritage Foundation has introduced a new series of reports titled “Saving Families, Saving America.” The main premise is quite clear. The nation can’t afford to overlook the drop in marriage rates and birth rates, a trend that lawmakers from both parties have largely ignored for years. Proposed changes include eliminating marriage penalties in welfare programs, introducing new tax credits for married couples, and even publicly honoring marriages that last ten years.
These suggestions represent a blend of traditional conservative values and fresh ideas, all stemming from the belief that strong familial bonds were crucial in 1776 and will continue to be vital. They’re meant to kick off what has been a long-overdue national dialogue on how to reverse America’s demographic and societal decline.
However, there are staunch opponents on both the far left and the liberal right who resist the core idea of bolstering married families. Critics on the left argue that supporting married couples and traditional parenting frameworks is an attack on women’s rights and freedoms—specifically regarding autonomy and reproductive choices. Meanwhile, those on the liberal right insist that government should stay out of family structure decisions entirely.
America is a nation anchored in its people, culture, laws, customs, and principles; without marriage, families, and child-rearing, we risk our very existence.
It’s hard to dispute the facts: marriage rates are falling, the traditional family unit is shrinking, and the country is teetering on a demographic edge. What’s puzzling is how both critics seem to agree that the government shouldn’t intervene in addressing these challenges.
The reality is, if the traditional family continues to dwindle, we could ultimately lose the essence of what makes America, America.
America is deeply rooted in its people and ideals; it cannot survive without its citizens choosing to marry, have families, and raise children. The argument is that the government has a role to play in promoting a lifestyle conducive to thriving communities. Social science data shows that traditional married families generally perform better across various indicators related to wealth, education, health, and happiness.
We are unapologetic about promoting marriage, encouraging young people to settle down, and finding satisfaction in family life. On the other hand, I doubt that mass immigration is the answer, especially when we struggle to integrate those already here. Nor do I think modern technology can effectively substitute for our homes or neighborhoods.
The enduring American dream—a family, a house, a white picket fence—remains essential to our collective mindset. Our challenge is to transform that dream into reality, helping young Americans realize these aspirations by reducing obstacles and ensuring that our policies support the formation of married families.
This is a message that conservatives should rally around by 2026. Fortunately, President Trump is already paving the way. He recently shared plans to address rising prices for single-family homes and tackle issues in the credit card industry, and Heritage is eager to provide insights and recommendations moving forward.
Moreover, we will continue addressing those on the left and the libertarian right who either downplay the issue or overlook the solutions. They are mistaken on both counts. A society that ignores the value of marriage and child-rearing is making a choice—between either speeding up decline or managing it. Any movement that turns a blind eye to this decline is essentially surrendering.
If our critics have alternative solutions, they are welcome to share them. However, we refuse to stand by as children fall behind and families struggle. Action is needed, and Heritage is committed to initiating a new Golden Age for America centered around families, starting now.
