Understanding Immigrant Workforce Contributions

Immigrants are driving the U.S. economy — but outdated systems are holding them back. At SXSW EDU, I joined leaders, Ramona Schindelheim of WorkingNation, Katie Brown, PhD of EnGen, and Arturo Cazares of LBAN/Latino Business Action Network to spotlight immigrants’ critical economic impact — and the barriers they face accessing quality jobs. 📊 The data is clear: 1️⃣ Immigrants make up 14% of the population, 20% of the workforce, and contribute $1.7T to the economy. 2️⃣ By 2035, 100% of U.S. population growth will come from immigrants and their children. 3️⃣ 50% of Fortune 500 companies were founded or co-founded by immigrants. From workforce access to innovation, we should invest in immigrant talent — and break down barriers like credentialing, employer recognition, and cultural gaps in self-promotion. Immigrants bring resilience, adaptability, and creativity — exactly what’s needed in the age of AI and the future of work. Let’s stop making them wait a generation. #SXSWEDU Read more:

Immigration remains a vital pillar for the U.S.'s prosperity, yet we still need comprehensive reform that addresses border security while providing humane solutions for the millions of immigrants who have built productive lives here, despite their undocumented status. It’s time we move past the myths and misinformation perpetuated by certain groups and media outlets, and instead focus on the real data behind immigration trends. Today’s outstanding article by Paul Kiernan in the The Wall Street Journal sheds light on some key insights from the past few years: - Since 2020, the U.S. has experienced one of the largest waves of immigration in decades. Net immigration—both legal and undocumented—stands at around 9 million people over the last four years. This influx has contributed to an annual population growth of 1.2%, preventing stagnation. - Roughly 30% of immigrants enter legally, while 70% are undocumented. Most (78%) are between 16 and 64 years old, with the majority seeking work immediately. Contrary to common myths, 73% of immigrants who arrived between 2004 and 2019 are actively participating in the workforce—this is a higher rate than that of U.S.-born residents. - The largest sources of immigration since 2020 are Latin America and the Caribbean. Venezuela leads with 14%, followed by Mexico (13%) and Honduras (8%). Spanish is the native language of 80% of new immigrants. - Unemployment among recent immigrants is around 8%, higher than the national average of 4%, but still far lower than many assume. - Education levels among new immigrants are generally lower than those of U.S.-born residents, leading to lower average incomes. As business and civic leaders, it’s our responsibility to understand the facts surrounding immigration. We must recognize its economic and cultural significance and advocate for sensible, comprehensive reform. The U.S. has always been, and should continue to be, a nation that welcomes immigrants and invites them to build a better life for themselves and make us a better nation, too.

Unlocking Insights: Philadelphia’s Immigrant Workforce Data is our compass in navigating the societal challenges and opportunities we face. A recent Pew series offers a deep dive into the immigrant workforce in Philadelphia, showcasing their significant contribution to the city’s economic fabric. Key findings highlight that immigrants are not just filling jobs; they’re creating them. Despite facing barriers such as language proficiency and complex eligibility rules for public benefits, their entrepreneurial spirit shines through, with many becoming “necessity entrepreneurs.” I encourage you to read the full series of articles and fact sheets https://lnkd.in/en2Vr8YZ It’s through data that we can truly understand and address the needs of our diverse population. #DataInsights #ImmigrantWorkforce #EconomicImpact #Philadelphia #PewResearch

U.S. Immigration and Economic Impact: Insights from Barclays' New Tracker Barclays has introduced a comprehensive U.S. Immigration tracker that offers deeper insights compared to many official sources. Here are the key takeaways and reasons behind the trends: 1. Immigration Surge: There's been a substantial increase in humanitarian immigration and unlawful entries, especially post-2020. This is largely driven by global conflicts, economic hardships, and political instability in various regions. 2. Employment Trends: Foreign-born employment has seen a significant upward trend, with a notable rise since 2020. Immigrants often fill crucial roles in sectors experiencing labor shortages. 3. Job Market Contributions: Immigrants have been vital, filling 75% of job gains since 2022. They bring diverse skills and are willing to take on jobs that are less attractive to native-born workers, helping to sustain economic activities. 4. Economic Growth: Immigration has positively influenced economic growth, with a noticeable impact in 2023. By increasing the labor force, immigrants help boost productivity and consumer spending. This data underscores the crucial role immigrants play in the U.S. labor market and economy. As we continue to navigate the complexities of global migration, understanding these dynamics will be essential for policymakers, businesses, and communities. P.S. If you found these insights helpful, please like and share! For personalized guidance or questions about O-1 / EB-2 NIW / EB-1A, feel free to reach out - always happy to help!