Why The U.S. Won’t Put Immigrants To Work

Summary

The US economy faces a significant shortfall of workers, with 9-12 million job openings unfilled, costing the country over $1 trillion in lost production annually. Despite this, restrictive immigration policies limit the influx of much-needed skilled and unskilled labor. The aging population and declining birth rate exacerbate the labor shortage, while the current immigration system, focused on family reunification and not tailored to economic needs, fails to address the issue. Experts suggest a more inclusive policy that prioritizes labor market demands could alleviate the strain and contribute to economic growth.

Takeaways

• 📉 The US economy is losing around $1 trillion annually due to unfilled job openings, which range between 9 to 12 million.
• 🌐 Despite high demand for labor, US immigration policies restrict the hiring of unskilled migrants, aiming to protect domestic workers.
• 🌆 The US remains a top destination for global migrants seeking better opportunities, with Ipsos surveys highlighting its enduring appeal.
• 🚫 There is a public divide, with 51% of Americans surveyed by the Cato Institute expressing concerns that immigration could reduce job availability.
• 📈 The US is experiencing a historic immigration crisis with 2.7 million border encounters in fiscal year 2022, highlighting the need for policy reform.
• 👵 An aging US population and declining birth rates are contributing to labor shortages and potential economic stagnation.
• 🌱 The US could benefit economically by allowing more young, skilled immigrants to enter legally, filling labor and skill gaps.
• 🏢 Major tech companies like Google and Apple rely on visa systems to hire foreign workers for specialized roles, indicating a demand for high-skilled labor.
• 🏛 The US green card system is restrictive, with lengthy processes and limited opportunities for employer-sponsored immigration, especially for less skilled positions.
• 🌐 Canada's immigration policy, which is more open and focused on economic growth, serves as a model for how the US could potentially reform its system.
• 🌱 The US needs to consider a more inclusive immigration policy to address labor shortages, support economic growth, and adapt to global challenges like climate change.

Q & A

What is the current range of job openings in the US?

The number of job openings in the US has been between 9 million to 12 million.

How does the unfilled job openings impact the US economy?

Unfilled job openings are estimated to be causing a loss of about $1 trillion in production every year.

What is the perception of the US as a destination for emigration?

The US is still considered the 'shining city on the hill' and the most popular place for people to emigrate to, according to Ipsos surveys.

What is the stance of American immigration policies on hiring unskilled migrants?

American immigration policies bar many employers from hiring unskilled migrants, claiming it protects American workers.

How does the US population's aging affect the workforce?

Aging out of the workforce leads to a decline in innovation and economic growth, with the ratio of older individuals to working-age individuals increasing significantly over the past decade.

What is the role of immigration in addressing the US labor shortage?

Immigration can help address the labor shortage and economic needs of the US by bringing in young people who are willing to work and contribute.

What types of visas are available for skilled workers in the US?

The US offers visas for entrepreneurs, professionals, and those with extraordinary abilities, such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, and EB-1A visas.

How does the current immigration system affect the US economy?

The current immigration system is restrictive and does not effectively address the economic needs of the US, leading to a missed opportunity for economic growth.

What is the role of foreign-born workers in the US workforce?

Foreign-born workers accounted for 18.1% of the US workforce in 2022, and they are significant contributors to job creation, particularly as entrepreneurs.

What are some proposed solutions to the US immigration crisis?

Proposed solutions include securing the border, reforming the legal immigration system, and prioritizing labor and economic needs over family reunification.

How does the US immigration policy compare to Canada's?

Canada's immigration policy is more open and economically driven, allowing for a legal pathway for talented individuals to contribute to the economy, unlike the US's more restrictive approach.