Reduction in International Workforce

The U.S. economy and labor force are changing due to federal policies concerning international workers, both authorized and unauthorized. In September 2025, the Trump administration announced a new $100,000 fee for H1-B visa applications, one of the primary means for U.S. companies to legally hire international talent. Additionally, in December 2025, the Department of State announced it was expanding visa screening and vetting requirements, further slowing the visa allocation process. Experts are forecasting negative impacts on U.S. firms, universities, rural health care, and the broader economy, as H-1B workers drive national productivity, boosting wages for all Americans.

Legal immigration is only one sector of international labor that has been affected by recent policies. In 2023, 5.6 percent of the U.S. labor force — 14 million workers — were unauthorized immigrants. The U.S. agricultural sector has long relied upon these workers, but immigration raids in 2025 caused many to stay home from work and others to self-deport. Other industries are also being affected by immigration policies, including construction, hospitality, food service, and manufacturing. Small, family-run businesses have been forced to close, changing the culture of communities. Aside from social impacts, experts expect housing and food costs to rise as these basic industries contend with a disappearing labor force.

In addition to preparing for these economic impacts on their communities, planners may need to coordinate with social services to support local immigrant populations in need.