In the context of globalization, the role of foreign workers or guest workers has become increasingly important. Not only do they bear heavy labor tasks in the countries where they live, but they are also an important pillar of many industries, especially in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2018, there were approximately 28 million foreign workers in the United States, a large number of whom came from Mexico. Whether it's their skills or their experience, foreign workers are becoming a key force in the U.S. labor market.
Foreign workers include people working under certain work visas, such as H-1B professional visa holders, or H-2A temporary agricultural workers. According to reports, among the unfamiliar faces in agriculture, there are more than 1 million undocumented immigrants providing hard labor. These foreign workers play a pivotal role in economic development.
"They built their communities in America and contributed to economic growth."
Employers generally rely on foreign workers to fill labor shortages, especially in the construction, agriculture, and service industries. Foreign workers not only provide essential support for economic growth but also allow U.S. businesses to continue operating in the face of global competition. The economic value foreign workers create for the United States cannot be ignored, according to a study.
Mexico is known as a major source of foreign workers, which in turn forms a large number of communities. These workers often seek better livelihoods in a context of economic hardship and find job opportunities in the U.S. labor market. According to research, nearly half of foreign workers provide support to their families and communities while relocating at home.
Although foreign workers play a key role in the economy, they face a number of challenges. The legal status of undocumented immigrants puts them at a disadvantage, often subjecting them to exploitation and unequal treatment. This leads to difficulties in their working environment and further highlights the many loopholes in immigration policy.
“Many foreign workers are under great pressure due to low wages and harsh working conditions.”
Foreign workers have an increasingly significant impact on the U.S. labor market, and future immigration policies may further affect their survival and development. In addition to the needs of the labor market, the social and political environment is also changing rapidly. How to balance the needs of foreign workers and the rights and interests of local workers will become an important issue in the future.
Will the presence of foreign workers continue to cement their key role in the economy of the future?