The United States is experiencing a growing labor shortage, driven in part by gaps in employment-based immigration. According to recent findings from the U.S. Department of Labor, there is a clear connection between the decreasing number of foreign-born workers and the difficulty employers face in filling open positions. This trend is posing increasing risks to several key sectors of the U.S. economy.
In its latest report, the Department of Labor noted that the labor force participation rate among American-born workers declined from 62.1% to 61.8% over the past year. At the same time, participation among foreign-born workers dropped from 67.0% to 66.3%. While these figures may seem modest, they represent a significant reduction in available labor—particularly in industries that rely heavily on foreign talent.
The lack of domestic interest in roles traditionally filled by foreign-born workers has become more pronounced. The healthcare industry is currently bearing the brunt of these shortages. Hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide are reporting increased difficulty hiring nurses, nurse aides, environmental services staff, and other critical personnel. These shortages are impacting patient care delivery and stretching the existing workforce to its limits.
Furthermore, research published by The Economist shows a decline in wage growth for occupations with a high concentration of foreign-born workers, including janitors, construction laborers, and service employees. This slowdown suggests that fewer American workers are entering these professions, limiting competition and wage progression. The downturn coincides with stricter immigration enforcement policies and reduced visa availability, both of which are restricting the pipeline of qualified international workers.
As the U.S. labor market struggles to recover, the need for balanced and responsive immigration policy is increasingly urgent. Without intervention, sectors like healthcare, construction, and service industries may continue to face critical staffing shortages.
At Immigration Fleet, we are closely monitoring these developments and their impact on employment-based immigration. If you or your organization require assistance navigating current immigration policies, visa strategies, or petition filings, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is here to support your workforce and compliance needs during this evolving landscape.
