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 more than 3 million people seeking asylum in the United States toward the end of 2024, roughly 1.4 million adults are already working, helping to fill essential roles in industries facing widespread labor shortages. An additional 850,000 people are children who are ineligible to work.
Among adults (16 years and older), the labor force participation rate is 64%, similar to the U.S. average of 62%. For adults in their prime working years (ages 25 to 54), participation reaches 71%, slightly below the U.S. average of 80%, 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 working in the same jobs that keep America running. The largest 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 asylum seekers 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 2024, using augmented 2023 American Community Survey data projected to 2024, based on this methodology.
