According to a recent report by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), immigrant workers are likely to be the only source of the U.S. economy’s labor force growth by 2052. Even in the years leading up to that point, the stagnation of the native-born American workforce is expected to impact the nation’s economic growth and stability significantly. Without immigration, businesses will struggle to find employees, and consumers may face rising costs and reduced access to essential services. Economists from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas emphasized that sustained economic growth depends on labor force expansion and improved productivity, which is why immigration is vital for maintaining America’s standard of living.
The Role of Immigrant Workers
The NFAP report highlights that immigrant workers have accounted for 88% of the U.S. labor force growth during the past five years. Between 2019 and 2024, 3.6 million foreign-born individuals joined the labor force, while only 479,000 native-born Americans entered the workforce. The data, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Census analysis, underscores how immigrants have become indispensable for economic growth in America.
Experts point out that as Baby Boomers retire, immigrants and their children will play an increasingly critical role in maintaining a healthy labor market. Over the past 30 years, the U.S. labor force grew by 19.1 million immigrant workers compared to just 16.8 million native-born workers. The NFAP further notes that without immigrant workers, the U.S. labor force would have decreased by over a million in recent years, adversely affecting economic growth, inflation, and programs such as Social Security.
Economic Risks Without Immigration
Projections indicate that in 2052, the number of native-born workers in the U.S. will peak, with minimal growth expected afterward. In fact, without immigration, it would be nearly impossible to sustain America’s current economic trajectory. A stagnating labor force means businesses will face difficulty expanding, while consumers may encounter service delays and price increases.
Instances of labor shortages are already visible in various sectors. In Prince George’s County, Maryland, a lack of bus drivers resulted in significant delays for schoolchildren. Similarly, the scarcity of healthcare workers, electricians, and pharmacists forces Americans to endure longer wait times and higher costs. Without enough qualified professionals, essential services decline, ultimately harming consumers and the economy.
USAFIS recognizes that as the U.S. workforce ages, immigration will remain a crucial component of sustaining economic vitality. By offering guidance and support to individuals seeking to live and work in America, USAFIS helps them become part of the growing labor force that fuels the nation’s prosperity.