The United States is currently facing a labor shortage and demographic crisis, which is impacting the nation’s economic health and national security. According to the authors of this report, the root cause of these issues is declining fertility rates and an aging population. This trend is reflected in every aspect of society, including the workforce in industries like the military and security services. Despite offering high enlistment bonuses, these sectors are experiencing historic recruitment shortfalls. To address these challenges, the U.S. government has passed the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 to enhance the country’s competitive capabilities in key technologies like semiconductors. However, the U.S. lacks the workforce needed to fully implement this law. To overcome this shortfall, the U.S. must strategically attract and retain skilled workers through immigration. The aging population in the U.S. is expected to grow rapidly, while the working-age population will grow slowly. This demographic shift is already impacting industries like healthcare and aviation, leading to workforce shortages. Recent cuts to legal immigration during the Trump administration have exacerbated the demographic crisis. To address these challenges, policymakers should consider expanding avenues for skilled immigrants to live and work in the U.S. The authors recommend reforms, such as increasing the number of H-1B visas, allowing foreign students to remain in the country after graduation, and reinstating programs like MAVNI for military recruitment. By leveraging immigration as a tool to attract talent, the U.S. can strengthen its economy and national security in the face of increasing global competition.
Meeting National Security Interests Requires Workers
Council on National Security and Immigration, November 1, 2023, 5 pp.
Authors: Margaret Stock & Theresa Cardinal Brown