Employment Trends

Foreign-born employment has driven nearly all U.S. job growth since the pandemic, while native-born jobs remain flat, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov). A FRED chart shows that foreign-born jobs are projected to rise from a 2007 index of 100 to over 140 by 2025, compared to 110 for native-born workers.

Job Growth Data

Between May 2019 and May 2024, foreign-born workers gained 3.2 million jobs, while native-born workers added just 971,000, according to the Center for Immigration Studies (https://cis.org). The gap widened after the 2020 downturn, with foreign-born jobs recovering faster and growing steadily.

Policy Discussions

Some argue that high immigration pressures native workers in low-skill jobs, possibly lowering wages. Others, such as the CATO Institute, argue that it fills labor market gaps. These trends spark debates on immigration, wages, and workforce equity, shaping economic policy discussions.

Looking Ahead

As the 2026 elections near, foreign-born employment trends will fuel immigration debates. Policymakers must strike a balance between workforce needs and equity goals. Public discourse will inform strategies to ensure that job growth benefits all workers, supporting a fair and equitable economic recovery.