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Foreign Workers Transform California Construction Landscape Since 1976

1/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Matthew Moore joined the roofers’ union in Orange County, California, in 1976.
By age 19, he owned a home in Whittier, illustrating the era’s strong middle-class economy before the industry changed.
Since then, the share of foreign-born workers in construction has nearly doubled relative to other sectors.
This shift began during the housing boom and continued after the Great Recession, reducing job opportunities for U.S.-born workers.

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Story summary

Matthew Moore joined the roofers’ union in Orange County, California, in 1976.
By age 19, he owned a home in Whittier, illustrating the era’s strong middle-class economy before the industry changed.
Since then, the share of foreign-born workers in construction has nearly doubled relative to other sectors.
This shift began during the housing boom and continued after the Great Recession, reducing job opportunities for U.S.-born workers.