Jobs for immigrants in the U.S. – navigating the job market
Every year, thousands of immigrants come to the U.S. from all around the world. Currently, immigrants make up around 13.6%1 of the overall U.S. population. And for many, finding a great job for immigrants in the U.S. is their main goal in realizing the American dream.
For immigrants, finding the right immigrant jobs isn't just about earning a living. It's about carving out a place for themselves in a new land and embracing opportunities to gain experience and set down roots.
Immigrants bring a lot of skills, experiences, and abilities to the table. In fact, 47%2 of recent immigrants come to the U.S. with a college degree.
Since immigrant households make up a large part of the population, the U.S. offers a great opportunity to leverage their skills, knowledge, and perspectives to grow individually while contributing to the economy.
Despite this, young immigrants under 303 face significant challenges in their job search. Most jobs for new immigrants in the U.S. don't meet their skills.
More than two million4 recent immigrants and refugees are unemployed or doing menial immigrant jobs. So, immigrants need to learn how to navigate the job market if they want to secure their dream jobs. But they can't do it alone.
This is why we will guide you about jobs for immigrants in the U.S. market and how to navigate the job market.
Understanding the job market for immigrants
Immigrants can add value to a workplace with their distinct perspectives, expertise, and cultural backgrounds. However, in their pursuit of searching for jobs for immigrants in the U.S., they often come across numerous challenges. But these challenges are not impossible to overcome.
So, let's walk you through the ins and outs of the job market for immigrants to help you navigate it better.
Current job market trends for immigrants
The U.S. job market is always changing because of factors like new technologies, business needs changes, and how the global market works.
In 2021, 27 million foreigners were working in the U.S., which was close to 18.1%6 of all young adult workers. Also, in 2023, the unemployment rate for immigrants is 3.4 percent7, which is lower than that for people born in the U.S., which is 3.7 percent.
This indicates that immigrants are taking up more positions in the labor market. They are also filling in gaps of labor shortage in the U.S.8, contributing to the overall employment landscape.
Here are some favorable and unfavorable job market trends for immigrants highlighted in the KFF analysis9.
Noncitizen workers, especially those who aren't elderly, are likely to be offered roles in specific job sectors such as construction, agriculture, and service. This hiring trend of immigrants is significantly higher in these selective sectors than in other citizens.
Even nonelderly and noncitizen adult workers with a bachelor's or higher degree are only employed in certain service jobs, such as food preparation and healthcare support, despite having higher education. There are usually more jobs for immigrants in the U.S. in the construction and transportation industry compared to other citizens.
Immigrants are offered lower salaries than citizens filing for the same job. This is regardless of their education. Even the college-educated ones are also offered lower wages. This is more common in recent immigrants.
Noncitizen workers, even those with a college education, are likelier to lack health insurance coverage than citizen workers. Medicaid coverage does not fully compensate for the gaps in private coverage for noncitizen workers.
Challenges faced by immigrants when seeking employment
Immigrants embarking on the journey of job searching often encounter a unique set of challenges that can test their resilience and determination. These hurdles vary, but they collectively shape the immigrant job-seeking experience.
Based on the current trends, immigrants face several challenges when seeking employment in the U.S. job market:
Immigrants usually face occupational bias. They are disproportionately hired more in certain sectors than others. This limits their access to a broader range of career paths and job opportunities for immigrants.
Despite having higher education, some immigrants with bachelor's degrees or higher are employed in service and lower-skilled positions. So, immigrants experience a mismatch between their qualifications and the jobs they secure.
Even immigrant workers with a college education cannot get hired in high-paying positions compared to other citizens. This is because they hardly have access to higher-paying roles. So since their job options are limited, they have to settle for low-paying roles.
Immigrant workers, particularly noncitizens, don't get easy access to healthcare coverage. They are more likely to lack health insurance. This limits their access to medical services and leaves them financially vulnerable.
Jobs for immigrants in the U.S. in certain sectors like the construction and service industry might experience language and cultural barriers. These barriers affect their communication and integration within the workplace.
Undocumented immigrants or those with certain legal statuses have a difficult time getting hired. They have limited job options and face potential discrimination due to their status.
Immigrants who are new in the country lack access to established professional networks. This runs them short of job referrals, industry insights, and career growth.
Importance of cultural diversity and language proficiency in job search
Today's world is more interconnected and globalized. So to stay relevant globally, employers need creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving skills in their employees.
This is why employers create jobs for immigrants in the U.S. The immigrants bring fresh perspectives to their organization. It enables them to connect with diverse customer bases and navigate global markets more effectively.
So the factor that alienates them can also be their powerful assets that will help shape their future in the new professional environment.
Moreover, being fluent in the local language promotes seamless communication, teamwork, and understanding among colleagues and customers.
These language skills also boost confidence during interviews and networking, enabling candidates to convey their qualifications and cultural adaptability with finesse.
Top job opportunities for immigrants in the U.S.
Wondering which sector will you be more likely to land a job in? As we mentioned before, specific sectors are more open to immigrants than others in the U.S. Here are the top sectors that can offer you the best jobs for immigrants in the U.S.
Healthcare sector
Immigrants come to the U.S. with diverse medical expertise, dedication, and compassionate care. This helps enhance patient well-being. From doctors and nurses to medical technicians and caregivers, a healthcare job for immigrants in the U.S. makes a significant contribution to the nation's healthcare ecosystem. Noncitizens are more involved in healthcare support10 compared to naturalized and U.S.-born citizens.
Information technology
The I.T. sector is an immigrants' haven. This sector actively hires immigrants, valuing their technical prowess, innovation, and problem-solving skills. The contribution of their intellect helps drive technological advancement, software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis in this sector.
Hospitality and tourism
Many U.S. restaurants, bars, and food service contractors hire immigrants in this industry. Food service workers are also hired in schools and hospitals. This creates a huge market for immigrant jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry for immigrants in the United States.
Construction and skilled trades
The construction industry hires a huge percentage of the immigrant workforce to fill construction roles. Non-adults and noncitizen immigrants are more likely to fulfill these roles than U.S.-born citizens. They are almost three times11 likely to be employed in construction.
Education and teaching
Immigrant teachers bring different ways of teaching and ethnic expertise to the classroom, which helps students learn more. They help create a setting where everyone can learn. This helps prepare the next generation for a globalized world.
Entrepreneurship
Immigrants are full of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. They are more successful entrepreneurs as their diverse perspectives help bring unique product offerings and services to the market. They establish businesses that contribute to economic growth and job creation for other U.S. residents, including U.S.-born citizens. In fact, they have the ability to create more jobs than they take12.
Navigating job search as an immigrant
Now that you're familiar with the basics of the U.S. market for immigrant jobs, you're ready to start your job search. But where do you start?
Still nervous? Here are some practical strategies to help you navigate this path:
Networking
One of the most powerful tools in your job search arsenal is networking. 85%13 of jobs are found through networking.
To ace networking, you need to establish connections within your field. But being new in the country, how will you do that? You can attend industry events, workshops, and meet-ups or sign up on networking social media websites.
Engage in conversations, share your experiences, and listen to others. This will open doors to unadvertised job opportunities for immigrants and offer insights into the market for immigrant jobs.
Online job portals
The easiest, most accessible strategy to initiate your job search is to take advantage of online job portals. You can even find plenty of job portals that cater specifically to immigrants.
You don't need to think twice while signing up for these online job portals. These platforms are designed with your unique needs in mind. So, they will provide job listings for the best jobs for immigrants in the U.S. tailored to your skills and background.
Resume tailoring
It is the first thing that an employer sees is your resume. It introduces you to the recruiters. If your resume doesn't seem compelling to the recruiters, they will scroll over to the next candidate.
So, to make your resume impressive enough to hold the employer's eyes, tailor your resume to align with the job description. Also, highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Emphasize transferable skills that you've gained from your previous roles.
Finally, try to include accomplishments that show your adaptability and impact on the organization that hires you.
Interview preparation
You did everything right and got shortlisted for the interview for several immigrant jobs. But are you really prepared for them? Put yourself through the test and analyze your weaknesses. Make sure to thoroughly prepare for it.
Research the company, its values, and the role you're applying for. Jot down some common interview questions relating to your field and practice answering them.
You should also be ready to show how your background will make a valuable contribution to the company's culture and goals. Don't forget to convey your enthusiasm about the position. Finally, demonstrate your skills and cultural adaptability to leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.
Overcoming challenges and building skills
Here's how you can overcome hurdles and boost your skills for a successful professional future in immigrant jobs:
Exploring educational resources
Identify areas where your skills may be lacking and need enhancement. Whether it's technical expertise or soft skills, there are many ways you can bridge these gaps.
You can engage in self-study, attend workshops, or collaborate with mentors. Also, look for online platforms and community centers that offer valuable insights and guidance on immigrant jobs.
This will help you acquire the skills that will make you a more competitive candidate in the job market for immigrants. You will also be able to adapt more effectively to your new professional environment.
Certifications and educational programs
The job market doesn't always stay the same – the requirements keep changing. Its dynamic nature demands you upgrade your qualifications to stay relevant and competitive.
You can explore and enroll in industry-specific certifications, relevant courses or pursue further education. It will help you align your skills with industry demands for immigrant jobs.
While this investment may cost some dollars, it can significantly enhance your career prospects.
Mastering english language proficiency
Proficiency in English is an invaluable asset in today's interconnected world, especially if you're seeking jobs for new immigrants in the U.S. If you wish to enhance your English language proficiency, you must work on it through dedicated practice, language courses, and conversation groups. Improving your English proficiency can unlock better communication and networking opportunities. This will boost your overall employability.
Success stories of immigrant professionals
Do you know there are many successful immigrants out there? They came to the U.S. with nothing but a dream. With hard work, dedication, and navigating the right opportunities at the right time, they are now at the top of their careers.
If they can do it, what makes you think you can't?
Jonathan Mensah
Jonathan Mensah, a professional soccer player born and raised in Ghana, came to the USA to take advantage of the bigger and better job opportunities for immigrants available here.
He believes immigrants are everywhere, and they contribute a lot. His success is proof of the immigrant stories who come to work and enjoy life.
Read more>>>
Alvaro Felix
From the moment Alvaro Felix landed his first job in the U.S., he realized that if he wanted long-term satisfaction, he needed to find something that resonated with him deeply.
Alvaro's artistic flair took roots from growing up in La Vega, renowned for its warmth, delectable cuisine, and the exuberant "El Carnaval," the Dominican Republic's grandest festival. He was a 30-year-old immigrant from the Dominican Republic who paved his way to success in the U.S. through his clever business idea.
Read more>>>Diego Saldeño
Diego Saldeño's story shows that anyone can achieve their dreams with determination and a clear goal.
He grew up in Venezuela, around the time when the country was in tough times due to the economic crisis. When he finished high school, Diego knew he had a passion for advertising, but Venezuela wasn't the best place for it. He believed New York could make his big dream of becoming an advertiser come true.
Read more>>>
Resources and support for immigrant job seekers
Finding your footing in a market for new immigrant jobs can become easier with the help of various resources and support networks. Here's where you can turn to for assistance:
Organizations and support networks
Numerous organizations are dedicated to helping in navigating jobs for immigrants in the U.S. Look into local immigrant resource centers, community organizations, and chambers of commerce. These groups provide workshops and networking events themed around making a career as an immigrant.
If you're a low-income immigrant in need of legal advice, you can talk to the National Immigrant Justice Center14. They can advise you about your rights in the U.S. as an immigrant.
Government programs and initiatives
Governments often offer programs specifically designed for immigrants in their job search and integration. Check out local government websites for information on employment assistance, language classes, and workshops aimed at helping immigrants thrive in their new environment.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a helpful guide15 for people coming to live in the U.S. It tells you about finding a job, knowing when there are special days off, and understanding how the healthcare system works.
Online resources for job hunting and skill development
As an immigrant job seeker, you can find plenty of online to help you search for immigrant jobs. Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor offer job listings for jobs for immigrants in the U.S. and networking opportunities.
Additionally, if you're looking for platforms for skill development, you can turn to Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy. These platforms offer online courses to enhance your skills and boost your qualifications.
Professional associations and networks
You can explore professional associations related to your field to get career guidance, mentorship programs, and events. There are numerous mentorship programs for every field, like Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program, WIN Mentoring Program, and the ABN Immigrant Professionals Mentoring Program.
Attending mentorship programs and events will help you connect with industry professionals and stay updated on immigrant job trends.
Mentors at these events and programs will offer you insights, advice, and guidance as you navigate your job search and career development. So, consider joining mentorship programs that connect you with experienced professionals in your industry.
Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of August 15, 2023
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https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2020/08/20/key-findings-about-u-s-immigrants/
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https://www.upwardlyglobal.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/UPG-WHITE-PAPER-REPORT-PROOF-5.pdf
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https://www.upwardlyglobal.org/news/publications/roadblocks-to-workforce-inclusion-for-young-adult-immigrants/
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https://www.migrationpolicyinstitute-europe.com/sites/default/files/publications/mpi-brain-waste-analysis-june2021-final.pdf
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https://www.upwardlyglobal.org/news/publications/roadblocks-to-workforce-inclusion-for-young-adult-immigrants/
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https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/forbrn.pdf
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https://cis.org/Report/Employment-Situation-Immigrants-and-USBorn-Fourth-Quarter-2022
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https://edition.cnn.com/2022/12/22/economy/immigration-jobs/index.html
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https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-brief/employment-among-immigrants-and-implications-for-health-and-health-care/
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https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-brief/employment-among-immigrants-and-implications-for-health-and-health-care/#footnote-590752-3
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https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-brief/employment-among-immigrants-and-implications-for-health-and-health-care/#footnote-590752-3
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https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/immigrants-to-the-u-s-create-more-jobs-than-they-take
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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-survey-reveals-85-all-jobs-filled-via-networking-lou-adler/
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https://immigrantjustice.org/immigration-legal-services
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https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/M-618.pdf
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