Fresh data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that the number of foreign-born workers on U.S. payrolls fell by about 1.7 million between March and July. Economists tracking the figures say the drop coincides with estimates that net immigration has slowed to a standstill, raising questions about how labor-force dynamics may evolve if the inflow of new workers remains muted. The sharp decline is fueling a broader debate over the reliability of the jobs report. Analysts note that the BLS household survey, which underpins the employment figures, is operating with a record-low response rate—an issue previously cited by critics who accused the agency of skewing results. Some commentators now argue that the same data set is shedding useful light on the composition of the workforce. The numbers have also entered the political arena. Former President Donald Trump pointed to the contraction in foreign-born employment as evidence that more positions are being filled by native-born Americans, framing the trend as a vindication of his immigration stance. While overall payroll gains remain positive, economists caution that reduced immigration could constrain labor supply and wage growth if demand for workers stays strong.
QUICK: People are trying to figure out where the weakness in the jobs markets coming from. Part of it might be immigration. The jobs report showed a 1.7 million drop off in foreign-born workers from March to July. TRUMP: That's a great number because it means we're putting https://t.co/DYOQhrqDcn
We started with the BLS is rigging the data and now we are full circle to praising the BLS-reported data on the drop off in foreign-born workers.
We started with the BLS is rigging the data and now we are full circle to praising the the BLS-reported data on the drop off in foreign-born workers.