In August 2018, an Axios magazine article described the status of the current US labor market. It seems that the longest streak of job growth in American history has missed some industries. Four in particular have experienced chronic labor shortages: construction, agriculture, trucking, and 911 dispatching.
The problem is Millennials. This group is not interested in these jobs. And who can blame them? These jobs are difficult. Construction often takes place on hot, dusty work-sites (my summer job in high school). Agriculture is arduous work that often involves walking through muddy fields, carrying heavy loads (another summer job). Long-haul truck drivers are away from home for weeks at a time; and 911 dispatchers deal with life and death situations on a daily basis. Millennials, who are more educated than previous generations and have more options available, don’t need do this hard stuff.
This is where a robust guest worker program would be invaluable in helping supporting the US economy. In 2018, over 900 thousand guest worker visas were granted, up from 400 thousand 25 years ago; but it doesn’t begin to address the labor shortages across the country. Moreover, today’s guest worker program is filled with problems. Some employers consider it too expensive and burdensome to use. Some workers find it easier to go around the system (illegally) than comply with its cumbersome paperwork requirements. There are even persistent charges of worker abuse. The Trump Administration proposed reforms in May 2019, but these centered around a merit system that would ensure only “worthy” workers get visas; it is unlikely to get through Congress.
Regardless of the challenges facing the program; technology, with its opportunity for transparency, oversight, and streamlining; makes such a program feasible. While it may take substantial effort to make it work, a robust guest worker program is of strategic importance to the long-term leadership strength of the US. It needs to be a priority.
References:
Axios, “The big picture: the American industries that can’t find workers,” 5 Aug 2018.
Council on Foreign Relations, “US Temporary Foreign Worker Programs,” 23 May 2019.
Constitutional Rights Foundation, “The Debate Over Guest-Worker Programs,” 2018.
Manhattan Institute, “Guest Worker Programs: What Needs Fixing and Why”, 26 Feb 2018.
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