People seeking asylum are an important part of America’s communities and economy. They strengthen the fabric of our neighborhoods by raising families, supporting businesses, and contributing to our communities. Of the some 4.5 million people seeking asylum in the United States as of the middle of 2025, roughly 2.3 million adults are already working, helping to fill essential roles in industries facing widespread labor shortages.
Among adults 16 years and older, the labor force participation rate is 72%, higher than the U.S. average of 62% to 63% in 2025. For adults in their prime working years (ages 25 to 54), participation reaches 78%, slightly below the U.S. average of 83% to 84%, likely reflecting delays in processing work permits rather than a lack of willingness to work.
These numbers tell a clear story: people seeking asylum want to contribute, and when given the opportunity, they do.
Filling Essential Jobs Across the Economy
People seeking asylum are currently working in the same jobs that keep America running. The largest populations and shares are in:
People seeking asylum that are working in each of these sectors make up a sizable share of the overall U.S. labor force in construction, building and grounds maintenance, and food preparation and services jobs, showing how people seeking asylum are filling critical gaps, especially in industries where employers struggle to hire enough workers.
The Bottom Line
When people that are seeking asylum can work legally, they strengthen the American economy, support their families, and contribute to communities in every state. Policies that delay or restrict work authorization don’t just hurt these individuals, they hurt businesses, local economies, and all Americans.
These data reflect conditions as of mid-2025, using augmented 2024 American Community Survey data, based on this methodology.
Note on older data: An earlier version of this analysis was published in October 2025; that version has been archived for reference and can be viewed here.
