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The labor market in the United States, and particularly in Florida, shows signs of stagnation that are worrying both economists and citizens.
The Department of Labor indicated that during the month of August, only 22,000 jobs were created nationwide, a figure below historical standards and significantly lower than the current demand for employment.
The effects are already being felt in southern Florida, where thousands of immigrant workers face an increasingly restrictive landscape with uncertainty. The most affected sectors are professional and business services, government, manufacturing, and wholesale trade, which directly impact the economic structure of the region.
“The market is misaligned,” warns economist Federico Alves in statements to Univisión. “The available positions are below the level of those who are looking for work. This suggests that the economy is likely heading towards a mild recession in the next six months,” he noted.
The economist also offered three recommendations for those who are experiencing a period of uncertainty in their professional lives.
"The companies are putting expansion plans on hold. It may be that we will not see substantial growth in job offers over the next three years. We need to stay calm. Do not buy new vehicles and do not use credit cards to pay for daily expenses," he warned.
The White House celebrates, but uncertainty grows
Despite the low growth in job offers, the official narrative from Washington is one of celebration. During the recent Labor Day, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, stated that "100% of the new jobs created this year have been filled by American citizens."
This statement was shared on their official X account, where they also claimed that 2.5 million people have returned to the labor market since January.
Noem contrasted these figures with those from the previous administration, stating that “88% of the jobs under Biden went to foreign-born workers,” whereas now, thanks to the policies promoted by Donald Trump, “the American worker comes first.”
A direct blow to the immigrant community
This stance, framed within the tightening of immigration policies promoted since Trump's return to the presidency, has excluded numerous immigrants from the labor market.
The Department of Homeland Security claims that the immigrant population has decreased by more than 1.6 million individuals, significantly affecting key sectors such as agriculture, construction, and services.
For communities like Miami, where thousands of Cubans reside, this policy translates into fewer job opportunities and more obstacles to making a living in the country.
The job market is unstable, many immigrants have lost their work permits, and people do not know whether to wait, switch sectors, or leave the country to restart the fight for their dreams away from the United States.
Declining data and political tensions
The August report is not an isolated case. In July, only 73,000 jobs were created, far below the expected 110,000, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.2%.
In response to this, President Trump dismissed the director of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Erika McEntarfer, accusing her of manipulating figures during the administration of Joe Biden.
"There was a major adjustment to conceal and level false figures," Trump wrote on Truth Social, reinforcing the notion that his administration seeks to "restore American jobs" and end a "corrupt political class" that, according to him, has harmed the country's workers.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Stagnation of the Labor Market in Florida
Why is the labor market in Florida stagnating?
The stagnation of the labor market in Florida is due to several factors, among them, the creation of only 22,000 jobs across the United States in August, a figure that is very low compared to the current demand for employment. In addition, there is a misalignment between available positions and the skill level of workers, which creates uncertainty in key sectors such as professional services, manufacturing, and wholesale trade. The tightening of immigration policies has also excluded many immigrants from the labor market, further impacting the employment situation.
How do immigration policies affect the labor market in Florida?
Immigration policies have reduced the immigrant population by more than 1.6 million people, which has impacted essential sectors such as agriculture, construction, and services. In Florida, where many immigrants reside, including Cubans, these policies have led to fewer job opportunities and more obstacles to sustaining themselves, prompting many to consider leaving the country.
What recommendations have been made to deal with job uncertainty in Florida?
The economist Federico Alves has recommended staying calm, not buying new vehicles, and avoiding the use of credit cards for daily expenses. These measures aim to help people manage economic uncertainty and prepare for a possible mild recession in the coming six months.
Which economic sectors in Florida are most affected by the labor stagnation?
The most affected sectors in Florida include professional and business services, government, manufacturing, and wholesale trade. These sectors are vital to the economic structure of the region and the impact on them exacerbates the stagnation of the labor market.
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