Immigrants make up a substantial share of the U.S. construction workforce—about one-third of construction tradespeople, including 61% of drywall/ceiling installers, 52% of roofers, and 51% of painters—with particularly heavy reliance in states such as California, New Jersey, Texas, and Florida. Because many of these trades already face significant worker shortages, the data suggest that reductions in immigrant labor could exacerbate construction labor constraints, particularly in homebuilding.

This survey of immigrants provides an in-depth look at the experiences of immigrants in the United States, including in their communities, workplaces, and health care settings. They include surveys conducted in partnership with news media organizations as well as those conducted independently by KFF.

This study finds that expanded ICE enforcement since 2025 significantly reduced local economic activity, with foot traffic falling about 2.7% and consumer spending about 6.2% in targeted metropolitan areas. These effects were persistent and widespread—affecting workplaces, consumers, and businesses across demographic groups and industries—suggesting immigration enforcement creates broader economic costs beyond those directly targeted.

This report examines the immediate economic costs to businesses near enforcement sites during the June 2025 surge, and the mounting toll on Latino entrepreneurs across Los Angeles County.

This tool provides interactive estimates and demographic characteristics of undocumented, eligible-to-naturalize, and liminal-status immigrant populations across the U.S., with the ability to analyze individual states, aggregate regions, and compare geographies.

This report examines the economic and workforce contributions of international students in Ohio, highlighting their role in addressing local labor shortages and driving economic development. Over the last decade (2013–2022), 62,638 Optional Practical Training (OPT) participants worked in the state. Data shows that 84% of these workers were STEM majors and 79% held graduate degrees, reflecting a high level of specialized talent. In addition to strengthening the workforce, these students contribute approximately $1.3 B to the regional economy and support hundreds of jobs through their spending on housing and services. This report portrays the global student community as a key driver of the state’s prosperity and industrial development.

This report examines the economic and workforce contributions of international students in Kentucky, highlighting their role in addressing local labor shortages and driving economic development. Over the last decade (2013–2022), 11,150 Optional Practical Training (OPT) participants worked in Kentucky. Data shows that 75% of these workers were STEM majors and 72% held graduate degrees, reflecting a high level of specialized talent. In addition to strengthening the workforce, these students contribute approximately $295.5 M to the regional economy and support hundreds of jobs through their spending on housing and services. This report portrays the global student community as a key driver of the state’s prosperity and industrial development.