Could closing the Mexican border affect the elder care industry? One report says yes.
Because so many immigrants work in caregiver jobs, there could be a worker shortage if fewer enter the United States, according to a Wall Street Journal report. A survey by the U.S. Census Bureau found that immigrants make up about one-third of the 850,000 low-skilled home-care workers in the U.S. Many Americans won’t take these jobs because of the lack of job security, few benefits, high turnover rates and low wages.
And the demand for such workers is only going to grow as the population ages. Still, supporters of immigration reform say that sealing the U.S.-Mexico border so immigrants cannot enter will drive up pay for elder care services, making it more attractive to U.S. citizens.
