From the Washington Examiner: For decades, one immigration debate has divided the Left and the Right: Are illegal immigrants taking jobs from Americans or doing jobs U.S. citizens simply will not do?
President Donald Trump’s return to office this year has put the issue front and center, particularly as Immigration and Customs Enforcement targets job sites nationwide where illegal immigrants are employed.
In June, for example, 76 workers were arrested by federal immigration authorities at a Nebraska meatpacking company.
Days later, the company’s front office was filled with job seekers filling out applications, hopeful about snagging one of the vacant positions — a sign that perhaps those illegal immigrants had been in jobs that Americans would do given the chance.
Citing the Center for Migration Studies of New York, the report estimates there are as many as 8.5 million illegal aliens currently in the U.S. workforce.
Data suggests the percentage of illegal aliens working in specific industries, as follows:
- 20% – Construction industry
- 12% – Accomomdation and food services
- 11% – Manufacturing
- 10% – Administrative, support and waste management services (each)
- 8% – Retail trade
Estimated numbers in specific jobs include:
- 574,700 construction laborers
- 364,200 maids and housekeepers
- 335,200 cooks
The top nationalities of illegal alien workers are Mexican, Guatemalan, and Salvadoran.
For decades, one immigration debate has divided the Left and the Right: are illegal immigrants taking jobs from Americans or doing jobs U.S. citizens simply will not do? https://t.co/JXrhmmH7vT
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) November 24, 2025
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