What the U.S. decline in immigration means for expats

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Written by EstherTwisk on 08 September, 2021

For the first time in years, the U.S. population increase has dropped and grew at the second-slowest rate since the founding of the country. The declining fertility rate (almost 20% since 2007) and the reduction in immigration seem to be the main cause for the increase, with a global pandemic surely not helping. As environmentalists might support the idea of having fewer polluters in the world, the decrease in population is considered to be a serious economic concern for the country. And possibly an opportunity for expats in the future.

Foreign workers needed

Various rural areas in the country (such as Northwest Arkansas), have until recently benefited greatly from skilled foreign workers. Legions of immigrants from countries such as Mexico, India and El Salvador have actively participated in building the economy by working in the fields of trucking, programming, poultry production and construction.

Now that immigration has come close to a standstill (partially due to government policy, partially due to the pandemic), many of these booming towns have as well. In Northwest Arkansas, only 750 new immigrants arrived in 2019 compared to 1750 in 2016. Awaiting the numbers for 2020, it's safe to say that Covid19 has brought immigration numbers down even further.

What does this mean? Currently, many employers are facing an intense labour shortage in almost all fields of work, varying from healthcare to construction and technology. Even when offering high hourly rates, bonuses and added benefits, it seems nearly impossible to attract the number of workers needed. Add to that the continuously ageing U.S. population, and it's easy to see why the decrease of skilled immigrants is becoming a serious problem.

What is being done?

Currently: not much. Research has shown that immigration will be the easiest route to take when it comes to increasing population growth. The focus of the Biden administration, however, is not so much on legal immigration as it is on averting illegal newcomers.

Be that as it may, it's hard to deny that the pandemic has significantly increased the shortage of skilled workers even more during the past year. We are therefore expecting (and hoping) that the current administration will soon have to find a way to attract skilled workers from abroad, perhaps by easing Visa regulations.

Green Card and Social Security Number combined

It does seem that a small first hurdle has recently been taken on. For the first time, immigrants can apply for a Green Card and Social Security Number altogether, allowing cardholders to work anywhere from the get-go without conditions. Although this adjustment does not benefit Green Card aspirers just yet, those who are lucky enough to have received access to the country will find the application process faster and more efficient as to how it was. Hopefully, this will be the first step into easing visa restrictions for immigrants altogether.

Reminder - Who is eligible for a U.S. Green Card?