Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The United States will soon mark the birth of its 300 millionth citizen, but a leading group that monitors population issues says the population control experts quoted in most news stories about the landmark number have it wrong. The group says the U.S. needs more people to continue to sustain its economy.

The Population Research Institute (PRI) believes that the United States is suffering from insufficient population growth even though the U.S. Census Bureau says the American population will reach 300 million tomorrow.

“When you look at the projections that show our population aging rapidly over the next few decades, when you see our economy and government programs such as Social Security risking bankruptcy, you can see that the United States’ annual 0.9% population growth rate is not enough,” said Steven Mosher, president of PRI.

“America’s baby boomers didn’t have many children on average, and as a result, our country faces a gray dawn," Mosher added. "Even our currently high immigration levels haven’t made up the difference.”

Joseph A. D’Agostino, the group's vice-president, explained the problem further.

“According to United Nations figures, the percentage of the American population 65 or over will rise from 12.3% today to 20.6% by 2050," he indicated. "The proportion of Americans 80 or over will rise from 3.6% to 7.3% of the population."

D’Agostino said the United States is seeing the same problem that faces several countries in Europe that are dealing with severe underpopulation -- an aging populace and not enough workers to support them.

"Our worker-to- retiree ratio is already at a dangerous 3-to-1. By 2050, it will be 2-to-1," he said.

D’Agostino also indicated that medical advances will make it so today's retirees live longer than previous generations.

He said that immigration, a contentious issue in political debate today, could actually make a positive impact.

"We’ve been trying to make up for our low birthrate through lots of immigration, which has created its own problems," he explained. "But if Americans won’t create the next generation, then it must be imported.”

Related web sites:
Population Research Institute - http://www.pri.org