When raids empty paycheques: How immigration enforcement is quietly shrinking America's workforce2026-01-02T17:00:00+05:30

image/jpegFederal immigration crackdowns are leaving a visible imprint on the US economy, new research suggests. UC Merced sociologist Edward Flores’ analysis of census data shows sharp declines in private-sector employment, particularly in California, following intensified raids. The fallout, disproportionately borne by noncitizens and women, signals a shrinking immigrant workforce with lasting economic consequences.Federal immigration crackdowns are leaving a visible imprint on the US economy, new research suggests. UC Merced sociologist Edward Flores’ analysis of census data shows sharp declines in private-sector employment, particularly in California, following intensified raids. The fallout, disproportionately borne by noncitizens and women, signals a shrinking immigrant workforce with lasting economic consequences.Federal immigration crackdowns are leaving a visible imprint on the US economy, new research suggests. UC Merced sociologist Edward Flores’ analysis of census data shows sharp declines in private-sector employment, particularly in California, following intensified raids. The fallout, disproportionately borne by noncitizens and women, signals a shrinking immigrant workforce with lasting economic consequences.