2024’s immigration developments will have impact on employment

Over the past few years, there have been much higher rates of immigration than had previously been projected. In 2019, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)—which is tasked with providing independent, nonpartisan analysis of economic and budgetary issues to support the Congressional budget process—estimated that net immigration in 2023 would total one million people. Now that 2023 has passed, the CBO has estimated that net immigration in 2023 was actually closer to 3.3 million. That net increase in immigrants can significantly affect the labor market by altering the supply of available workers. With the increase, it may be a good time for your business to learn more about recent developments in immigration law.

Refugees, asylum seekers, and asylees

We often hear the terms “refugee,” “asylum seeker,” and “asylees,” but it may not be clear what those words mean in the immigration context. All three of the categories describe individuals who have left their countries and come to the United States.

“Refugees” are people who have fled their countries to escape conflict, violence, or persecution and have sought safety in another country. A refugee applies for protection while overseas and enters the United States as a refugee.