Millions of Americans have left the workforce in the past two years. On top of that, the post-pandemic economy continues to struggle from a labor force that has declined due to restrictive immigration policies. Since 2016, backlogs and delays in U.S. immigration have steadily grown. Division in Congress has stalled comprehensive immigration reform. Because of these trends and the COVID-19 pandemic, net immigration in the U.S. was close to zero over the last three years. Immigrants approved to work in the U.S. often take specialized positions in sectors like STEM, healthcare, and IT. Those who join their families in America frequently enter the workforce as well.
Barriers to immigration reduce the talent and labor force of the United States. Job sectors that depend on immigrants now have many vacancies. This loss drives inflation and harms many businesses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that current immigration policy will lead to a decline in the number of immigrant workers in the United States for years to come. Such a pattern is likely to create even more obstacles in the U.S. economy.
Experts agree that these trends will continue without expanded immigration programs. Only time will tell whether Congress can compromise on a solution to this historic challenge. However, public support for reforms in U.S. immigration policy is gaining popularity.
Dayzad Law Offices recognizes the key contributions of immigrant workers in the U.S. We navigate the challenges and delays in immigration to exceed our clients’ goals and help the U.S. economy thrive. Our team will continue to monitor developments in immigration policy and inform our clients of their impacts.
Reporting from: https://ethnicmediaservices.org/economy/loss-of-immigrants-fuels-labor-shortages-and-inflation/