The U.S. economy gained 5.4 million jobs in the past five years, with immigrants filling 90% of those positions, according to new data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This equates to 4.7 million net new jobs held by immigrants since January 2020, just before the pandemic began and prior to a surge in border crossings under the Biden administration. By comparison, employment among U.S.-born workers rose by only 645,000 in the same period.
In the past year alone, immigrants accounted for 1.9 million of the 2.65 million new jobs created, representing 72% of total employment growth. According to Steven Camarota, research director at the Center for Immigration Studies, approximately 60% of these jobs went to individuals residing in the country without legal authorization.
This latest employment report represents the first to be fully weighted for the four years of what some have described as the "Biden migrant surge." The report also revealed that the U.S. economy added 143,000 jobs in January, a slight slowdown compared to the 2022 average of roughly 2 million jobs annually. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate dipped to 4%, signaling a steady labor market despite shifts in hiring trends.
The data sparked widespread discussion online, with notable figures such as Elon Musk expressing surprise at the disproportionate share of job growth going to immigrants. However, economists like Camarota pointed out that the figures may not fully account for population increases, potentially underreporting employment numbers among both immigrants and native-born workers.
While Republicans used the report to criticize the Biden administration's border policies, Democrats countered by linking the slowdown to former President Donald Trump's economic legacy. Representative Richard Neal of Massachusetts claimed, “Even in a strong economy, the Trump slowdown is showing its effects.” On the other hand, Karoline Leavitt, press secretary for President Trump, framed the report as evidence of Biden-era economic challenges, asserting that it highlights the need for "pro-growth policies."
As the debate intensifies, the report raises important questions about labor market dynamics, immigration policy, and their broader implications for the U.S. economy. What are your thoughts on this employment trend? Share your perspective in the comments below.
