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Unauthorized Immigration Effects on Local Labor Markets

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Listed:
  • Daniel J. Wilson
  • Xiaoqing Zhou

Abstract

The large increase and subsequent decline of unauthorized immigrant workers in recent years have raised questions about the impact of these changes on local labor markets across the United States. New analysis linking immigration data with employment data for specific areas suggests that the rapid rise in unauthorized immigrant worker flows increased local employment roughly one-for-one. Extending the analysis to the industry level further suggests that the slowdown of net immigration had a large negative impact on local employment, particularly for construction and manufacturing.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel J. Wilson & Xiaoqing Zhou, 2026. "Unauthorized Immigration Effects on Local Labor Markets," FRBSF Economic Letter, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, vol. 2026(05), pages 1-5, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedfel:102450
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Christopher L. Foote, 2024. "Quantifying the Recent Immigration Surge: Evidence from Work-Permit Applications," Working Papers 24-15, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
    2. Saiz, Albert, 2007. "Immigration and housing rents in American cities," Journal of Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 61(2), pages 345-371, March.
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