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Immigrants Fuel U.S. Workforce Amid Falling Birth Rates

10/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Open United States immigration policies sustain workforce growth by relying on foreign-born workers.
About 48 million foreign-born residents (14.3%) contribute to construction and retail, and comprise 19% of the labor force.
Fertility has fallen to 1.62, below 2.
Manufacturers struggle to fill skilled roles, relying on immigrants for unskilled and skilled labor, including agricultural workers and health aides.

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Story summary

Open United States immigration policies sustain workforce growth by relying on foreign-born workers.
About 48 million foreign-born residents (14.3%) contribute to construction and retail, and comprise 19% of the labor force.
Fertility has fallen to 1.62, below 2.
Manufacturers struggle to fill skilled roles, relying on immigrants for unskilled and skilled labor, including agricultural workers and health aides.