The recent Labor Department jobs report highlights a notable trend: native-born workers are gaining jobs while foreign-born workers are losing them, resulting in a flat jobs market over the past three months. This shift has been described as “worrying” by some, but it’s more accurately seen as “transitional” and potentially “healthy.” The figures show employment for foreign-born workers has decreased by 765,000 in the last quarter, averaging a monthly decline of 255,000.
Even with the decline, employment for foreign-born workers remains up by nearly 5.5 million since Joe Biden assumed office in 2021. Native-born workers, on the other hand, are seeing an increase, with employment rising by an average of 217,000 jobs monthly over the last three months. This trend suggests a labor market gradually shifting in favor of native-born workers, reflecting a larger economic transition.
Understanding these jobs figures requires some historical context. Before the pandemic, native-born employment was around 131 million, a number that was restored by August 2023. Under the Biden administration, however, native-born employment fell by approximately half a million jobs from its post-pandemic recovery peak.
In contrast, the latter part of Biden’s term saw the U.S. economy become a robust job creator for foreign workers, often at the expense of American workers. This shift began to reverse with President Trump, who promised to tackle illegal immigration by securing the border. As a result, the jobs data now reflects a transition from an open borders workforce to one prioritizing American workers.
Like any transition, this one comes with challenges. Not all jobs filled by foreign workers would have been taken by Americans, but many businesses will need to adapt. Companies might turn to labor-saving technologies and efficiency improvements, such as the increased use of tablets by restaurant staff.
Certain industries might face particular difficulties in this adjustment, notably hospitality, grooming, and construction. Hospitality staff may become more efficient, well-equipped technicians, who are also better compensated. And as technology advances, we might even see robots stepping into roles like hairstyling.
In construction, there might be a shift toward using more prefabricated elements to reduce dependency on low-skilled labor. Agriculture could also innovate, perhaps pushing for immigration reform that focuses on a well-regulated seasonal worker program. As businesses invest and transition, native-born workers may find better opportunities and higher wages.
This will lead to improved lives for lower-skilled native-born workers as they gain skills and productivity. True prosperity for the working poor comes not from temporary measures like tax credits or minimum wage hikes, but from equipping them with the skills needed for better-paying jobs. The jobs report indicates an economy in a positive transition, aligning with the principles of America First.
JD Foster, the former chief economist at the Office of Management and Budget, and later the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, now resides in Idaho. He emphasizes that the opinions expressed here are solely his and do not represent the official stance of the Daily Caller News Foundation. The DCNF provides its content free of charge to any major news publisher, with proper attribution and logo use.
Darnell Thompkins is a Canadian-born American and conservative opinion writer who brings a unique perspective to political and cultural discussions. Passionate about traditional values and individual freedoms, Darnell’s commentary reflects his commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue. When he’s not writing, he enjoys watching hockey and celebrating the sport that connects his Canadian roots with his American journey.