U.S. Labor Force is Expected to Dramatically Shrink by the End of the Decade; Immigrants Might be the Remedy

The U.S. is expected to face a labor shortage of six million workers by the end of the decade, a figure that comes as migrant workers continue to increase (Credit: JOE RAEDLE/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA via AFP)

The U.S. is expected to face a shortage of a staggering six million workers before the end of the decade. For the first time in history, more people will turn 65 than 16, depleting the working population over the country. As industries prepare for the hit in the coming years, there may be one solution to the looming problem— immigrants.

A new study by Lightcast, a provider of labor market data, argues that a "storm" is rising in the U.S., in which several disruptions will drive a shortage. A combination of retirements, mismatches between workers and available jobs, and a decline in workforce participation among men is set to drive this trend.