America's Workforce Challenge: Why Economic Growth Requires More Workers

America's economy depends on a strong and growing workforce. Yet employers across the country are facing a challenge that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: there are simply not enough workers available to meet labor demand. At the same time, demographic trends are reshaping the nation's workforce outlook, with more Americans retiring and population growth slowing. Around 2030, deaths are projected to exceed births in the United States, meaning future workforce growth will rely more heavily on policies that support labor force participation and legal immigration.

• Approx. 2030
  Deaths projected to exceed births around 2030-2031, reducing natural growth of the U.S. population and workforce,

The effects of workforce shortages are already being felt across the economy. Health care providers, manufacturers, construction firms, farmers, technology companies, hospitality businesses, and small businesses all report difficulty finding the workers they need. These shortages can delay projects, limit production, strain supply chains, reduce access to services, and constrain economic growth.

This challenge is not about choosing between investing in American workers and modernizing our immigration system. The United States needs a comprehensive workforce strategy that does both. Expanding workforce participation, investing in education and skills development, improving productivity, and modernizing legal immigration pathways are complementary policies that can help meet America's workforce needs while strengthening long-term economic competitiveness.

• 5x Faster
  The population aged 65 and older grew nearly five times faster than the total population between 1920 and 2020.

Congress has an opportunity to advance solutions that support employers, workers, and communities alike. Policies that modernize employment-based immigration, provide reliable work authorization verification tools, strengthen the domestic workforce, and uphold the rule of law can work together to help address labor shortages and support economic growth.

• 8.1 Million
  The number of unfilled jobs. There are 6.9 million workers to fill them.

The attached factsheet outlines the demographic realities, workforce pressures, and policy considerations shaping America's workforce future. It highlights why growing the workforce must remain a central part of any strategy to sustain economic growth and competitiveness in the years ahead.