The latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that foreign-born residents in the US had higher labor force participation rates but lower weekly earnings compared to those born in America. The data showed that nearly 67% of foreign-born individuals participated in the labor force in 2023, while just under 62% of native-born individuals were employed. This annual Labor Force Characteristics of Foreign-born Workers summary sheds light on the essential role that workers born outside the US play in the American economy.
The report also highlighted a significant difference in labor force participation rates between men and women, with foreign-born men having a much higher participation rate than native-born men. Additionally, foreign-born workers had lower average weekly earnings than their native-born counterparts, reflecting variations in education, occupation, and industry. Factors such as educational attainment, occupation type, and geographic location all contributed to the differences in earnings between foreign-born and native-born workers.
Despite similarities in unemployment rates between foreign-born and native-born workers, the report noted that the unemployment rate for foreign-born individuals is higher than pre-pandemic levels. With nearly half of foreign-born workers being Hispanic and Asians making up a quarter of the workforce, the data underscores the diverse composition of the foreign-born labor force in the US. The report serves as a valuable resource for understanding the economic contributions and challenges faced by foreign-born workers in America.
