The record growth of the labor force in the United States in January was mainly due to the increase in the number of foreign-born workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the foreign labor population grew by 1.9 million, while the native population saw an increase of 766,000 people.
Currently, immigrants, both legal and undocumented, represent approximately one in five workers in the United States. This figure is a record in the last twenty years and highlights the important role that immigrants play in the country's labor market.
Experts point out that immigration has been a key factor in driving employment growth in the United States, especially after the pandemic. In the last five years, more than 5 million foreign workers have joined the labor force, with significant growth recorded in 2022 and 2023.
On the other hand, illegal migration to the United States has decreased significantly since the Biden administration implemented stricter measures at the border. Future immigration policies, such as those promised by the Trump administration, could impact the labor supply and wages in the country.
Although authorities no longer view the labor market as a source of inflationary pressure, the reduction in migration flows could create limitations in the labor force and apply upward pressure on wages in sectors with labor shortages.
In summary, the record growth of the labor force in January is supported by the contribution of migrant workers, who represent a significant portion of the labor force in the United States. Changes in immigration policies could influence labor and wage dynamics in the country in the coming years.
