14 Tough Jobs Only Immigrants Are Willing to Take in America
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights that as of 2023, foreign-born workers comprised 18.6% of the U.S. labor force. Employers typically utilize the H-2A (temporary agricultural jobs) and H-2B (non-agricultural seasonal work) visa programs to hire seasonal immigrant workers. They bring resilience, dedication, and a strong work ethic that drives numerous industries forward.
However, the median weekly earnings for full-time foreign-born workers in 2023 was 86.6% of what their native-born counterparts earned. Many immigrants are employed in sectors that often face labor shortages and require physically demanding work. These are the 14 difficult jobs immigrants across the United States commonly fill.
Agricultural Laborers
An estimated 73% of agriculture workers in the United States are immigrant farmworkers, most from Mexico and other Latin American countries. Farm work requires repetitive motion, heavy lifting, and the operation of dangerous equipment.
They often work in the hot desert sun for irritably low wages and without proper protection. The California Farm Bureau Federation notes that without immigrant labor, the state’s $50 billion agricultural economy would face severe labor shortages, resulting in reduced crop yields and higher food prices.
Construction Workers
The National Association of Home Builders reports that one of every four construction workers is an immigrant, filling roles like carpenters, masons, electricians, general laborers, etc. About one-third of the nation’s carpenters (34 percent) and nearly two in five construction laborers (41 percent) are foreign-born.
Most find themselves lifting heavy things, digging holes, and pouring concrete. These tasks are typically very demanding, require a lot of physical strength, and often come with the risk of machinery injury, falling, or chemical exposure. Immigrant construction workers, for instance, are frequently first on the scene following natural disasters like hurricanes to restore homes and communities speedily and efficiently.
Janitorial and Cleaning Services
35% of the 6.7 million people employed in the building and grounds cleaning and maintenance sector are immigrants from abroad. Most of these workers are from Latin America, Asia, and Africa, and they perform tasks as cleaning floors, collecting garbage, and servicing washrooms.
A 2019 report from the Migration Policy Institute indicated that janitorial jobs can be extremely physically demanding. Employees frequently spend long hours on their feet and are exposed to harsh cleaning chemicals, as well as the risk of repetitive stress musculoskeletal injuries.
Meatpacking and Food Processing
A Migration Policy Institute (MPI) study found that immigrants account for more than one-half (51.5 percent) of workers in meatpacking plants. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) says the work of these employees is essential for a sector that rakes in more than $213 billion per year.
OSHA warns that jobs in these industries have one of the highest rates of workplace injuries and illnesses. Repetitive tasks and the use of sharp tools and heavy machinery increase the chance of Musculoskeletal Disorders (including tendonitis, etc.) or Injuries.
Landscaping and Groundskeeping
81% of all Americans have a lawn, and more than 42% of the people employed as grounds maintenance workers are Hispanic. These roles involve mowing lawns, planting flowers, trimming hedges, and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that landscaping workers in states like California and Texas are central to keeping residential areas appealing. Additionally, landscaping companies frequently rely on the H-2B visa program to fill seasonal positions.
Domestic Workers
This category includes housekeepers, nannies, caregivers, and home health aides who provide essential household services, often under strenuous conditions. Nearly 2.2 million domestic workers are employed in the U.S., and more than a third (35.1%) are foreign-born, with many hailing from Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
Home health aides support the elderly and disabled individuals with daily tasks, enabling them to age in place and maintain their independence. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for home health aides will grow by 34% from 2019 to 2029.
Restaurant Staff
Immigrant workers are a significant part of the restaurant industry, taking on roles such as cooks, dishwashers, servers, and bussers. These positions are often physically demanding, involving long hours on one’s feet, fast-paced environments, and irregular schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Immigrants make up 22% of all U.S. workers in the food services industry. Furthermore, a report by the Economic Policy Institute reveals that over 40% of restaurant workers experience wage theft, losing an average of $2,300 annually, and more than 80% do not have paid sick leave.
Taxi and Rideshare Drivers
Over 50% of taxi drivers and chauffeurs in the U.S. are immigrants, especially in metropolitan areas. This profession often entails long hours, navigating heavy traffic, and dealing with unpredictable customer interactions.
A study by the University of California, Los Angeles, found that many immigrants turn to taxi and rideshare driving due to the relatively low barriers to entry compared to other professions. This includes minimal certification requirements and flexible working hours, which can attract individuals seeking employment quickly as they settle into a new country.
Fishery Workers
Immigrant workers contribute significantly to this sector by performing tasks such as catching fish, cleaning, filleting, packaging, and other essential functions within seafood processing facilities. In the United States, 62.8 percent of all seafood processing workers were immigrants.
The work is physically grueling and hazardous. Workers often deal with heavy machinery, sharp tools, and slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of injuries and accidents.
Sewing and Textile Workers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the textile, apparel, and furnishings industry employs approximately 472,000 workers, primarily Latino and Chinese immigrants, mostly women. Many work 60-70-hour weeks.
A study by the Garment Worker Center revealed that around 85% of garment workers do not earn the minimum wage. They are paid a rate of between 2 and 6 cents per piece. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has identified risks, including exposure to textile dust, which can lead to respiratory issues and accidents related to sewing machinery.
Recycling and Waste Management
The Environmental Protection Agency reveals that the U.S. generated 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) in 2018 alone, with about 93.9 million tons recycled and composted. Immigrants work in jobs such as sorting recyclables, operating heavy machinery, and collecting waste, which can be physically strenuous and potentially hazardous.
In states like California and New York, where recycling mandates are strict, waste management companies heavily depend on immigrant workers to meet compliance targets and keep operations running smoothly.
Trucking and Delivery
These roles are notably demanding, involving long hours, extended periods away from home, and navigating challenging road conditions. BLS reports that immigrants comprise 19% of the trucking workforce.
The ATA estimates that the industry was short of 60,800 drivers as of 2018, a number projected to rise given the aging workforce and high turnover rates. An example is Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, a truck driver who earned a living and supported his family through long-haul routes nationwide.
Hotel Housekeeping
Many hotel housekeepers are expected to clean numerous rooms daily, which involves changing linens, scrubbing bathrooms, vacuuming floors, and restocking supplies. The physical demands of this job can lead to musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the median hourly wage for housekeeping staff is approximately $13.47, below the national average for all occupations. Many immigrants in the hotel housekeeping industry come from countries such as Mexico, the Philippines, and various Central American nations.
Childcare
Immigrant workers often fill positions as nannies, daycare providers, and early childhood educators. Nearly one-fifth (18%) of childcare workers in the United States are immigrants. These roles require a high level of dedication, patience, and emotional resilience as they involve the care and development of young children.
The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) highlights that most childcare positions are characterized by high turnover rates and physically and mentally taxing conditions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics further notes that the median hourly wage for childcare workers was $14.60 in May 2023.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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