As federal immigration enforcement intensifies, industries that depend heavily on foreign-born workers are beginning to feel the strain. One of the most exposed is the U.S. construction sector, where immigrants—both documented and undocumented—make up a substantial share of the workforce. These workers are integral not only to residential and commercial building projects, but also to the maintenance and repair of the nation’s aging infrastructure.
Recent data reveal that in several major U.S. cities, foreign-born workers account for more than half of all construction industry employment. These concentrations are especially notable in parts of the country with large immigrant populations, long-standing labor pipelines, or occupational niches historically filled by foreign workers. As immigration enforcement measures ramp up, these metro areas may face disproportionate labor disruptions, with potential consequences for timelines, costs, and the broader economy.
Here are some of the key findings from the report:
- The construction industry has a growing reliance on foreign-born employees. The share of foreign-born workers in the construction industry has trended upward for more than a decade, rebounding after the Great Recession and reaching 26% nationally.
- Immigrant employees make up a majority of the construction industry workforce in several major metros. In cities like Miami, Los Angeles, DC, and Houston, more than half of all construction industry employees are immigrants.
- Drywallers, roofers, and painters are most likely to be foreign-born. More than half of employees in each of these construction-related occupations are immigrants—far above the overall industry average.
How Has Foreign-Born Construction Industry Employment Changed Over Time?
With nearly 2.9 million immigrants employed, the construction industry is increasingly made up of foreign-born workers
Source: Construction Coverage analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data | Image Credit: Construction Coverage…