According to the 2010 census, more than 35 million people live in the United States today, and almost half of those individuals were not born here. This figure represents approximately 15% of the entire country’s population.
Most American citizens do not consider themselves bilingual, however, a significant percentage of US residents speak multiple languages at home. According to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, over half of American adults aged five and older reported speaking English “less than very well” while only seven percent said they spoke Spanish “very well.” Among those who did not speak English as a primary language, 38 percent lived in homes where Spanish was spoken regularly.
This suggests that there will always be a need for immigration services across many industries. While some sectors may present greater challenges than others, certain areas may benefit more than others.
Industries looking for workers who speak English fluently
These are 3 major industries where there is a high demand for workers who speak English fluently:
- Hospitality & Tourism – Most visitors to the U.S. are tourists whose primary goal is shopping. Because local economies heavily rely on tourism dollars, restaurants, hotels, transportation providers, and entertainment businesses seek out foreign talent to fill positions. Recent arrivals bring fresh perspectives and experiences to the table, allowing companies to innovate and serve customers better. For example, wait staff at popular eateries such as McDonald’s are predominantly made up of new arrivals from Asia, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
- Agriculture – Although agriculture accounts for only 1% of US GDP, it provides significant benefits to society. Immigrant workers contribute significantly to this sector because they provide labor such as harvesting crops, planting seeds, and tending animals. They also help meet consumer demand for fruits, vegetables, and meats.
- Construction & Engineering – Building permits alone account for over $1 Trillion dollars each year, suggesting a large market exists for skilled laborers. However, construction projects tend to cater towards wealthier individuals, low wages and rising property values create opportunities for newcomers who can perform tasks cheaper than native contractors. Additionally, engineers working in the building industry often collaborate with architects, contractors, and designers to develop plans and specifications for buildings.
Both sides of the border are now dominated by Hispanic Americans, who constitute nearly half of US residents under age 18. Despite efforts to curtail illegal immigration, about three million Mexicans cross the southern border each year.
That figure represents roughly 20 percent of the total Mexican migrant population. Those who manage to get across are often heading north towards major urban centers such as Houston, LA and Dallas – places where they hope to live and work until they earn enough money to send back home.
Originally posted 2023-02-09 17:54:13.