The consequences of deportation policies on the U.S. workforce are becoming increasingly palpable. Between January and July 2025, more than 1.2 million immigrant workers – both legal and non-legal status – dropped out of the labor force, according to preliminary Census data analyzed by the Pew Research Center.
This decline is also reflected in the agriculture, construction and health sectors, where foreign workers represent significant percentages.
Historic drop in the number of immigrants
At mid-year, there was a first drop of more than one million in the total immigrant population – the first in more than half a century.
In addition, their participation in the labor market dropped from 20% to 19%.
This represents at least 750,000 fewer workers, according to analysts.
Este desplome se refleja en varios sectores
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The June report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics also shows that between January and July there was a decline of 1.2 million foreign-born workers.
Experts warn that this loss of labor threatens vital economic sectors.
U.S. faces net outflows of immigrants
In addition, economists point out that 2025 could be the first year since the 1970s that the U.S. experiences a net outflow of immigrants – more departures than arrivals.
This threatens economic growth and could trigger inflation by limiting the growth of the labor force and the tax base.
In addition, recent ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids have intensified pressure on sectors dependent on immigrant workers.
For example, in Oxnard (California), it is estimated that these actions reduced the agricultural labor force by 20-40 %.
Causing crop losses of between 3 and 7 billion dollars and increases of 5 to 12% in fresh produce prices.
In short, the drastic reduction of immigrant workers not only disrupts key industries.
It also marks a critical point in the U.S. economy and social fabric.
In this scenario, being informed and united can be the best shield.
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