The most sought-after skills for immigrants in the U.S. primarily fall within the technology, healthcare, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) sectors. These areas are experiencing significant demand due to the ongoing growth of the U.S. economy and specific industry needs.
In-Demand Skills
- Technology Skills:
- IT specialists, including software engineers and computer programmers, are highly sought after, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley.
- Healthcare Skills:
- Medical professionals, including nurses, physicians, and surgeons, are in high demand, especially as the population ages and healthcare needs increase.
- STEM Skills:
- Engineers and university professors are also in demand, reflecting the broader need for technical expertise in various sectors.
- Construction and Agriculture Skills:
- Although these sectors may require lower-skilled workers, they still offer numerous opportunities for immigrants with relevant experience.
- Education:
- Educators at all levels are needed, with many immigrant teachers contributing significantly to the workforce[3][4].
Largest Immigrant Group by Skill and Nationality
The largest group of immigrant workers in the U.S. is Hispanic immigrants, who predominantly occupy lower-skill occupations. In contrast, Asian immigrants, who form the largest bloc of new arrivals, are more likely to work in higher-skill jobs. For instance, 42% of Asian immigrants are employed in high-skill occupations, such as those requiring analytical skills, compared to only 11% of Hispanic immigrants in similar roles. This highlights a significant disparity in the types of jobs held by different immigrant groups, with Hispanic immigrants often concentrated in lower-skill positions, while Asian immigrants are more represented in high-skill sectors[2][5].
Citations:
[1] https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/defining-skill-many-forms-skilled-immigrant-labor
[2] https://www.pewresearch.org/short-read/2020/02/24/the-share-of-immigrant-workers-in-high-skill-jobs-is-rising-in-the-u-s/
[3] https://www.devorelawgroup.com/which-skills-are-most-in-demand-for-us-immigrants/
[4] https://www.stepglobalgroup.com/blogs/company-updates/skilled-migrants-guide-to-the-top-5-sought-after-skills/
[5] https://www.kff.org/report-section/understanding-the-u-s-immigrant-experience-the-2023-kff-la-times-survey-of-immigrants-findings/
[6] https://www.newamericaneconomy.org/sites/all/themes/pnae/img/Immigrant_Workers_Brookings.pdf
[7] https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/foreign-born-stem-workers-united-states
[8] https://www.fwd.us/news/high-skilled-immigration-5-things-to-know/