The recent shift in the American job market has been a game-changer for U.S.-born workers, as they’re now reaping the benefits of a labor landscape tilted in their favor. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that from May to June 2025, U.S.-born workers gained over 830,000 jobs, while foreign-born workers saw a decline of 348,000 jobs. This trend, which has seen native-born employment surge by more than 2 million since January 2025, is being hailed by some as a cornerstone of the “Make America Great Again” movement. The Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies, including increased deportations and workplace raids, have created an environment where employers are turning to American citizens to fill roles previously held by foreign-born workers, particularly in industries like construction, agriculture, and food processing. This, supporters argue, is a long-overdue correction, prioritizing American workers and boosting wages for those who’ve been sidelined.

But let’s not kid ourselves—the other side of this coin is a harsh reality for foreign-born workers, including undocumented immigrants, who are losing ground fast. The same BLS data reveals that foreign-born employment has dropped by over 543,000 jobs since the start of 2025, with many workers either being deported or avoiding jobs due to fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. Industries that leaned heavily on immigrant labor, like California’s agriculture sector, where immigrants make up nearly two-thirds of the workforce, are feeling the pinch. Some economists, like Giovanni Peri from UC Davis, point out that mass deportations don’t just displace foreign workers—they can depress local economies and reduce job opportunities for native-born workers too, as businesses scale back or automate. Critics of the “Make America Great Again” rhetoric argue this approach risks tanking sectors that rely on low-cost labor, potentially spiking prices for essentials like food and housing, which hits everyone’s wallet.

Still, for many Americans, this job market shift feels like a victory, a tangible step toward putting “America First.” The Trump White House has been quick to tout these numbers, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claiming that “American-born workers have accounted for ALL of the job gains since President Trump took office.” Whether this is sustainable or a short-term flex remains to be seen. Economists warn that a shrinking labor pool could slow economic growth, especially with retiring baby boomers and low birth rates already straining the workforce. The “Make America Great Again” vision of job prioritization for citizens is resonating with millions, but it’s a high-stakes gamble—lifting up some while leaving others in the dust, with ripple effects that could reshape the economy for better or worse.