Summary
U.S. industries such as construction, agriculture, and food services rely heavily on foreign-born noncitizen workers. These workers make up a significant part of the workforce, but there is ongoing tension between economic needs and immigration policies from the Trump administration.
Key Facts
- Foreign-born noncitizens are 8.3% of the U.S. civilian workforce aged 16 and older.
- They make up 17.5% of construction workers.
- In agriculture and mining, 17.1% of the workers are foreign-born noncitizens.
- Noncitizens account for 11% of those working in accommodation, food service, and recreation.
- About 40% of crop farmworkers do not have work authorization.
- The Trump administration created an "Office of Immigration Policy" to help streamline temporary worker visas.
- There is a delay in policy changes for undocumented workers, causing frustration among farmers.
- Some supporters of Trump’s base oppose any perceived leniency in immigration policies.
