Discarded: American Workers Sound Off on the Labor Market
September 10, 2024Key Takeaways
- American workers express deep frustration and fear over illegal immigrants taking jobs, worsening their economic situations.
- Concerns about job loss extend into other areas, such as housing affordability and economic instability, exacerbating the anxiety around foreign competition.
- There is a strong demand for political reforms, with calls for stricter immigration policies and government action to protect native-born workers.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters
Sample Size
4,000
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
7 Days
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
Recent viral stories about job losses among American-born workers and job increases for foreign are causing anger among voters. MIG Reports analysis shows discussions are laced with worry about job security, economic inequality, and a perceived lack of government support.
As the labor market evolves, native workers express fears that foreign laborers, supported by illegal immigration, are taking jobs that belong to them. This narrative is rich in personal stakes and political dissatisfaction, painting a complex picture of an American workforce under pressure.
Holy shit:
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) September 6, 2024
Foreign-born workers: +635K in August
Native-born workers: -1.325 MILLION in August
Yes, 1.3 million NATIVE-BORN Americans lost a job in August pic.twitter.com/7EC3H1KH5Y
The Jobs Narrative
American conversations are dominated by the personal experiences of native-born workers who feel left behind in the labor market. In discussions focused solely on jobs, 62% of voters in the MIG Reports sample use first-person language such as "I feel" or "we are facing." This high percentage of personal pronouns highlights how job insecurity is felt at an individual level, with many expressing direct fear that their jobs are being taken by foreign workers.
People use phrases like “lost jobs,” “foreign competition,” and “native workers left behind” to express their anger. This reflects a shared sentiment that the job market is slipping out of the hands of Americans who need work and being given to cheaper laborers who are here illegally and likely do not contribute appropriate taxes.
While some Americans believe the economy is growing and job creation is on the rise, most are highly dissatisfied with current economic policies. Voters frequently link the situation to Biden-Harris policies, blaming Democrats for the job market. Frustration extends beyond immediate job loss to larger issues like inflation, stagnant wages, and government mismanagement.
Housing and Unemployment
Worries about finding sufficient employment extend into other societal issues, such as housing. As job stability declines for Americans, many native-born workers express growing concern about their ability to afford housing and maintain a stable standard of living. The commentary frequently links job loss to an increasing strain on personal finances. People discuss fears that foreign workers are taking jobs that would otherwise provide them with the means to secure affordable housing.
Around 66% focus on the negative impact of foreign workers on the job market. Voters call for stricter immigration laws and policies that prioritize native-born workers. The housing crisis is another flashpoint in these discussions, as many commenters believe that resources are being diverted from American citizens to accommodate foreign workers and their families. Phrases like “I can’t afford my rent while they get housing” emphasize the personal financial strain many feel, suggesting job loss and economic challenges are bleeding into other critical areas of life.
Economic Issues and Government Accountability
The anxiety over job security is mirrored in economic discussions as well. Discussions reflect broader fears about the economy, focusing heavily on inflation, taxes, and the government's failure to prioritize American workers.
- 70% of comments express negative sentiments toward the economy.
- 65% advocate for stricter immigration policies to curb the imbalance in the job market.
Sentiments from the jobs-centric discussions are echoed here, as many contributors link job loss to broader economic failures. Common phrases include “we need to prioritize Americans” and “the economy under Biden has failed,” showing how job concerns are intertwined with larger fears about the country’s economic future. Commenters frequently demand action from political leaders, calling for reforms that protect native-born workers from foreign competition and stabilize the economy.