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A new analysis from the Center for Immigration Studies is raising concerns about who has benefited most from America’s job growth since the COVID-19 pandemic. The report argues that the overwhelming majority of employment gains over the last five years have gone to foreign-born workers while labor force participation among many native-born Americans remains historically weak.
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The new data shows that since January 2020, right before Covid, 88 percent of all employment growth has gone to immigrants (legal and illegal), also referred to as the foreign-born.
Employment of the U.S.-born is up just 645,000 since January 2020.
The report, authored by CIS Director of Research Steven Camarota, analyzed household survey data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to the study, immigrant employment increased by approximately 4.7 million workers between January 2020 and January 2025, accounting for nearly all net employment growth during that period. The report also found that immigrant workers represented roughly 72 percent of employment growth over the most recent year examined.
Camarota argues that these numbers come at a time when a significant share of working-age American men remain outside the labor force altogether. The report estimates that more than one-fifth of working-age U.S.-born men are neither employed nor actively seeking work, a figure that remains near historic highs despite years of economic expansion.
Supporters of higher immigration levels often point out that immigrants help fill labor shortages, contribute to economic growth, and support industries facing worker shortages. Critics, however, contend that large-scale immigration can place downward pressure on wages, reduce opportunities for some American workers, and discourage policymakers from addressing deeper workforce participation problems among citizens.
The debate comes as the Trump administration continues its efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement and reduce illegal immigration. Administration officials have argued that tighter border security and workplace enforcement will help create more opportunities for American workers and raise wages, particularly for lower-income families.
This issue is ultimately about stewardship and national security. Our leaders have an obligation to care for American citizens first, not to sideline Americans in service of the economy. Let’s pray that Americans officials and corporations alike would serve American citizens first!
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(Information taken from the Center for Immigration Studies. Photo Credit: Gwengoat/Getty Images Signature via Canva Teams)
