Contractor Consultants founder Matt DiBara emphasizes the significant role of immigrants in the U.S. system. He highlights the potential changes due to President-elect Trump's immigration plans and the need for construction companies to adapt.

"Immigration Shapes the U.S. Construction Landscape"

Immigrants and the U.S. Construction Workforce

Contractor Consultants founder Matt DiBara states that the U.S. has "built an entire system" around immigrants. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that in 2023, foreign-born workers were more likely to be employed in service occupations including construction. From 2022 to 2023, the percentage of migrant workers in these occupations surged from 15% to 21.8%. This indicates the substantial contribution of immigrants to the construction industry.There is a growing trend of women and Gen Z workers taking over roles for potentially deported immigrants. Construction is booming in states like Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas, attracting a new generation of the workforce. More women are entering the workforce, and Gen Z is being more drawn to construction. It presents an "entire new wave" of outlook for the industry, with blue-collar having an opportunity that was previously unseen.However, it is a "tricky situation" as 1 in 3 mason roofers were undocumented immigrants in 2022. This poses challenges and requires construction companies to find ways to adapt and fill the gap.

Construction Industry's Response to Immigration Policies

President-elect Trump's repeated promise of a historic mass deportation operation has put these plans into motion. Locally, construction companies are reacting by controlling what they can control, which is improving hiring practices and making the industry more appealing.As the workforce is expected to see a significant retirement over the next decade, with 40% of the entire workforce set to leave, finding ways to fill this gap becomes crucial. The construction industry needs to adapt and find solutions to ensure its continued growth and success.We've built an entire system that is accustomed to this situation. If we are to make these changes, it is essential to understand how they will affect the industry. Construction companies must be proactive in addressing these challenges and leveraging the opportunities presented by the changing workforce.