US Contractors Urge Government to Relax Immigration Restrictions

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) has requested the US government to relax restrictions on foreign-born workers to fulfill the anticipated rise in construction demand. AGC analyzed new government employment data, which revealed that construction employment grew in 306 of 358 metropolitan areas between January 2022 and January 2023. The report revealed that Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas, witnessed the most significant increase in construction employment last year, adding 13,600 jobs – a 9% increase. Similarly, Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas, added 9,200 jobs (up 4%) and Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale in Arizona added 8,400 jobs, a rise of 6%.

AGC officials said that the demand for manufacturing plants, data centers, infrastructure and renewable energy projects would add to the need for more skilled construction employees. They warned that many of these projects could stall or be canceled if contractors were unable to find enough skilled workers. The AGC said it is working to tackle labor shortages by running targeted digital advertising campaigns to recruit workers. Additionally, over 800 firms have signed up for the association's "Culture of Care" campaign to increase worker retention and make the workforce more diverse by creating more inclusive and welcoming workplaces.

AGC officials have urged Congress to pass immigration reforms to enable more construction workers to enter the country. They have also advocated for more significant investments in construction-focused training and education programs. Ken Simonson, the chief economist with AGC, said, “Despite a decline in homebuilding, contractors in many markets are likely to have trouble finding enough workers to undertake more projects.” AGC's chief executive Stephen Sandherr added, “Public officials can help put more people into high-paying construction careers by enacting targeted immigration reforms and investing in construction prep programs.”