Trump's Immigration Crackdown Leaves US Short 1.2 Million Workers, Inflation Fears Mount

President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies have reduced the U.S. labor force by over 1.2 million immigrants between January and July, according to preliminary Census Bureau data analyzed by the Pew Research Center. Immigrants make up nearly 20% of the workforce, including 45% in farming, fishing, and forestry, 30% in construction, and 24% in services, AP News reported. The U.S. immigrant population is declining for the first time since peaking in 2023, driven by departures, underreporting, enforcement actions, and fewer illegal border crossings under Trump’s policies. Experts warn the decline in immigrant workers is straining the U.S. job market, as immigrants typically drive at least half of job growth, limiting the ability to create jobs. Moody’s Chief Economist warned that Trump’s immigration policies could drive U.S. inflation from 2.5% to nearly 4% by early next year.