Immigrants, women, and Black p... Note
Fast Company

Immigrants, women, and Black people are exiting the workforce

The number of immigrant workers in the US has significantly decreased, with over 1.2 million leaving the workforce between January and June 2025. This decline follows a drop in the overall immigrant population, from a record high of 53.3 million in January to 51.9 million in June. Increased ICE raids and deportations, reaching a ten-year high, are contributing factors. While the administration initially focused on deporting criminals, data suggests many detainees lack criminal convictions. The impact is felt across various industries reliant on immigrant labor, such as restaurants, construction, and farming. President Trump temporarily halted arrests in these sectors due to labor shortages, yet deportation efforts continue. Beyond immigrant workers, Black employment and women's participation in the workforce have also declined. A rise in Black unemployment and a significant decrease in women’s participation in the workforce are observed. The reasons behind the overall workforce decline are multifaceted and under investigation. The decrease in immigrant workers raises concerns about the US labor market and economy.
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