Experts Warn of Structural Shifts in US Job Market Amid AI and Immigration Changes

Near-zero net job growth over the past year driven by AI and restrictive immigration policies.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:22pm

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A minimalist illustration using bold geometric shapes and primary colors to represent the concept of job market polarization, with some industries thriving while others shed jobs.As the job market becomes increasingly polarized, the need for innovative policies to support workers and promote inclusive economic growth becomes ever more pressing.Dallas Today

Experts are warning of a concerning trend in the current US job market, with near-zero net job growth over the past year. This stagnation is driven by a combination of factors, including the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) enabling companies to do more with fewer workers, as well as restrictive immigration policies reducing the available labor pool. The situation is further complicated by demographic shifts, such as an aging population, that are straining social systems designed for a growing workforce.

Why it matters

The current job market challenges have far-reaching implications, potentially exacerbating income inequality, disrupting industries, and threatening the reliability of economic data relied upon by policymakers. Experts argue that navigating these interconnected issues will require a long-term, holistic approach to ensure economic growth is inclusive and workers are supported through retraining and other interventions.

The details

Artificial intelligence, once touted as a job creator, is now enabling companies to reduce their human labor needs. Meanwhile, the White House's immigration clampdown is keeping unemployment rates in check but may be hindering economic growth, as immigrants often fill essential roles that native-born workers are less willing to take. The healthcare sector is a bright spot, with relentless growth, but this highlights a broader trend of job market polarization, where some industries thrive while others, like manufacturing and transportation, are shedding jobs.

  • Over the past year, the job growth rate has hovered near zero.
  • The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas suggests the break-even rate of job growth might even be negative due to the exodus of immigrant workers.

The players

Molly Kinder

An economist who has realized she no longer needs college students for basic research tasks, as AI tools can now perform these functions.

Martha Gimbel

An expert who observes that technological adoption is often slower than expected, hindered by legal, regulatory, and organizational challenges.

Boston Consulting Group

A consulting firm that found most jobs will be augmented rather than eliminated by AI, though this scenario still presents challenges for worker retraining and equitable distribution of benefits.

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What they’re saying

“Artificial intelligence, once touted as a job creator, is now enabling companies to reduce their human labor needs.”

— Molly Kinder, Economist

“Technological adoption is often slower than expected, hindered by legal, regulatory, and organizational challenges.”

— Martha Gimbel, Expert

“Most jobs will be augmented rather than eliminated by AI, though this scenario still presents challenges for worker retraining and equitable distribution of benefits.”

— Boston Consulting Group

What’s next

Policymakers will need to address the challenges posed by AI and immigration changes, including investing in education and retraining programs, ensuring economic growth is inclusive, and supporting industries struggling to find workers.

The takeaway

The current job market challenges have far-reaching implications, requiring a long-term, holistic approach to ensure economic growth is inclusive and workers are supported through retraining and other interventions.