Immigrants have long been a cornerstone of the American workforce, filling labor shortages, driving innovation, and contributing billions to the economy. Yet, misconceptions persist about their role, economic impact, and rights as workers. This blog explores how immigrant workers sustain key industries, boost economic growth, and face challenges in the workplace.

The Immigrant Workforce by the Numbers

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that foreign-born workers make up 19.2% of the U.S. labor force. With a labor force participation rate of 66.6%, immigrants are more engaged in the job market than native-born workers, who participate at a rate of 61.8% (BLS).

Key figures on immigrant contributions:

• 32 million immigrants are actively employed in the U.S. workforce.
• 70% of agricultural workers are foreign-born (USDA).
• Immigrants own nearly 20% of all U.S. businesses (New American Economy).

Essential Industries That Rely on Immigrant Labor

Immigrants are vital to the healthcare industry, making up 1 in 4 doctors and a significant percentage of nurses and home healthcare aides. Their contributions became even more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they filled frontline roles in hospitals and care facilities (Migration Policy Institute).

The farming sector depends heavily on immigrant labor, with over two-thirds of U.S. farmworkers being foreign-born. Without this workforce, food production and supply chains would face severe disruptions (USDA).

Nearly 30% of all construction workers in the U.S. are immigrants. Their labor is essential for building homes, roads, and infrastructure projects across the country (Economic Policy Institute).

Highly skilled immigrants are leading advancements in science and technology. Companies like Google, Tesla, and Intel were all founded by immigrants, demonstrating their role in shaping global innovation.

Immigrants don’t just take jobs—they create them.

Studies show that immigrants are twice as likely as native-born Americans to start businesses. These businesses generate jobs, increase local economic activity, and contribute significantly to state and federal taxes.

A report from Pew Research Center found that immigrants contribute $2 trillion to the U.S. GDP annually, helping to support social programs like Social Security and Medicare (Pew Research).

Challenges Immigrant Workers Face

Despite their vital contributions, many immigrant workers experience:

• Lower wages compared to native-born workers.
• Workplace discrimination and limited career advancement opportunities.
• Lack of legal protections, especially for undocumented workers who are vulnerable to exploitation.

Organizations such as the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) fight for policies that protect immigrant workers and ensure fair wages and safe working conditions (NILC).

Local economies also rely heavily on immigrant workers. In Pennsylvania, for example:

• 11% of the workforce consists of immigrants.
• Immigrant workers contribute $2.1 billion in state and local taxes annually.
• Foreign-born entrepreneurs own 14% of small businesses in the state (American Immigration Council).

Organizations Supporting Immigrant Workers

Welcoming America is a national nonprofit helping communities become more inclusive for immigrants through job placement, language programs, and legal aid. (Visit Site)

National Immigration Law Center (NILC) advocates for low-income immigrant workers by providing legal representation and policy advocacy. (Visit Site)

Immigrant Learning Center offers education and workforce training to help immigrants integrate into the job market. (Visit Site)

A Local Story of Success

In Philadelphia, Ahmed Khalil arrived from Egypt with the dream of building a better future. After working in construction for several years, he launched his own contracting business, which now employs 25 workers—many of them fellow immigrants. His success story is one of resilience, proving that when given opportunities, immigrants can thrive and contribute to local economies.

How We Can Support Immigrant Workers

Ensuring fair treatment and opportunities for immigrant workers benefits everyone. Steps to improve conditions include:
Advocating for equal wages and workplace protections.
Expanding legal pathways for immigrants to work and live in the U.S.
Investing in education and training programs to help immigrants transition into higher-paying jobs.

For more information, check out these sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Home page. https://www.bls.gov

• USAFacts. (n.d.). Home page. https://www.usafacts.org

• Pew Research Center. (n.d.). Home page. https://www.pewresearch.org

• U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Home page. https://www.usda.gov

• Economic Policy Institute. (n.d.). Home page. https://www.epi.org

• National Immigration Law Center. (n.d.). Home page. https://www.nilc.org

• American Immigration Council. (n.d.). Home page. https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org
• Pew Research Center. (2024, September 27). Key findings about U.S. immigrants. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/09/27/key-findings-about-us-immigrants/