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Immigrants key to meeting future US labor needs study finds

The study found that immigrants and their U.S. born children are well positioned to meet the demand of future jobs

Immigration plays major role in shaping US labour requirements / Image - Unsplash

The pivotal role immigrants, including those from India, play in addressing future labor demands in the United States was highlighted in a new study by the Migration Policy Institute.

The report titled “How Immigrants and Their US-Born Children Fit into the Future US Labor Market,” underscores the growing contribution of immigrant-origin workers to the US workforce.

According to the study, in 2023, immigrants constituted 29 percent of the workforce, up from 19 percent in 2000, and were crucial in maintaining the prime working-age population.

Notably, 72 percent of future US jobs will require post-secondary education by 2031, up from 62 percent in 2023, indicating a shift towards more skilled labor. Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black, and White adults born to immigrants show promising levels of post-secondary education, positioning them well for future job demands, the study highlighted.

The report advocates for policies to support workforce development, stressing the importance of upskilling and retraining to bridge skill gaps. It calls for initiatives to reduce barriers hindering workers—immigrants included—from acquiring in-demand credentials and enhancing digital literacy.

As the US economy shifts towards knowledge-based industries, the study warns that even traditionally lower-skilled occupations like healthcare support and blue-collar jobs will demand higher education in the coming decade.

Further, the report urges policymakers to ensure that workers from diverse backgrounds are equipped with the necessary skills for future employment since immigrants, alongside other groups, will be instrumental in sustaining the US economy, provided they receive adequate support and training.

 

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