While American Workforce and Birth Rates Remain Low, Immigrant Workers Are Helping The U.S. Economy Thrive

By Moon Harper

May 04, 2024 02:00 AM EDT

Slogan Showing Immigrants Helping Americans — (Photo : Unsplash/ Nitish Meena)

The thriving job market post-pandemic owes much to America's immigrant workforce as Americans age out of the labor force and low birth rates persist.

The Rising Statistics of Immigrant Workers Helping The U.S. Economy Thrive

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, immigrant workers comprised a record 18.6% of the workforce last year, filling open positions in the agriculture, technology, and healthcare sectors, where employers face challenges.

The labor force participation rate for foreign-born workers increased slightly to 66% despite a smaller-than-anticipated job increase in April. Jennie Murray, CEO of the National Immigration Forum, highlighted the shortage of workers joining the labor force, and the birth rate has decreased by 2% from 2022 to 2023, emphasizing that immigrant workers are not displacing jobs but are contributing to the workforce, helping to strengthen it and support economic recovery efforts.

The increased presence of immigrant workers is anticipated to enhance U.S. output, with projections suggesting a gross domestic product growth of $7 trillion over the next decade. Congressional Budget Office Director Phillip Swagel highlighted this in a February statement alongside the 2024-2034 CBO outlook.

Filling Labor Shortages Through Recruiting Workers From Other Countries

Goodwin Living, a nonprofit faith-based elder-care facility in Northern Virginia, provides daily care for 2,500 adults and heavily depends on immigrant workers. CEO Rob Liebreich states that approximately 40% of its 1,200 employees are foreign-born from 65 different countries. With the aging American population requiring more assistance, the facility anticipates the need for additional workers to fill growing gaps in staffing.

Liebreich informed CNBC that approximately 70% of 65-year-olds are projected to require long-term care in the future, emphasizing the necessity for a substantial workforce to meet these needs. Liebreich stated that one of the most effective methods of filling these positions is recruiting individuals from other countries, citing the competitive nature of attracting global talent.

In 2018, Goodwin initiated a citizenship program offering financial support, mentorship, and tutoring to employees seeking U.S. citizenship. To date, 160 workers and 25 of their family members have secured citizenship or are undergoing the process through Goodwin's program.

The Prominence of Immigration Concerns Ahead of The Election

Workers are not obligated to remain with Goodwin upon obtaining U.S. citizenship. Still, those who choose to stay typically extend by 20% longer than those who do not participate in the program. Expediting and simplifying the process is desperately needed to attract and retain the global workforce and maintain competitiveness in the global economy, according to Liebreich.

As we look towards November, immigration is expected to be a prominent topic on the presidential campaign trail and of interest to voters as President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have both visited the southern border in recent months to address concerns about the influx of migrants entering the country.