The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas has released a white paper detailing the considerable influence of unauthorized immigration on U.S. labor and housing markets, revealing significant statistics about employment growth, housing prices, and rental costs during the Biden administration.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas published a comprehensive working paper in March 2026 titled “Impacts of Unauthorized Immigration on U.S. Labor and Housing Markets.” This report provides an in-depth analysis of the effects of unauthorized immigration on the U.S. economy from early 2021 to early 2024. It highlights a substantial rise in housing prices and rents, as well as notable employment growth linked to the influx of illegal immigrants during this period.
The report indicates that approximately seven million unauthorized immigrants entered the United States within this timeframe, a figure that is nearly double the number of legal immigrants. This sharp increase is said to account for roughly 30% of total employment growth from March 2021 to March 2024. Additionally, the findings attribute about 30% of the overall growth in housing prices and 20% of the increase in rental rates to this surge in illegal immigration.
Economic Context and Implications
The implications of these findings are significant. The report suggests that unauthorized immigration has played a pivotal role in shaping labor and housing market dynamics in the U.S. The large influx of people has not only contributed to employment growth but has also strained housing supply, leading to rising costs. Such economic dynamics are crucial for understanding current debates surrounding immigration policy in the United States.
Notably, the report emphasizes that the current housing market conditions are a direct result of demographic shifts fueled by immigration. As demand for housing continues to rise amid limited supply, costs have escalated, leading to affordability issues for many Americans. The study’s findings will likely fuel ongoing discussions regarding how immigration policies can be adjusted to mitigate these economic impacts.
Responses from Lawmakers
In the wake of the report’s release, Republican Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne of Texas has been vocal about the findings, sharing the report on social media and discussing its implications with CBS News Texas political reporter Jack Fink. Van Duyne articulated her concerns about the financial ramifications of increased unauthorized immigration.
“We’ve actually been saying this for a number of months now,” Van Duyne remarked. “I don’t think people sometimes understand the ramifications of having so many folks enter your country illegally in such a short period of time and the financial disaster that it causes. And I want to make sure that people heard those numbers; it caused an increase in housing [prices] by 30%.” She further emphasized the rental market, stating that the increase in rental rates by 20% directly correlates with the immigration surge.
Van Duyne also referenced former President Donald Trump’s focus on deportations during his campaign, suggesting that similar measures are necessary to address current challenges in the housing market. “Look at what’s happened to the housing market. And as a direct result, by the way, what you’re seeing now is prices coming down,” she added. “You’ve had over 3.5 million people either self-deport or have been deported through this administration, and it’s having an immediate reaction in the market on housing. We have to continue that.”
Concerns Regarding H-1B Visa Fraud
In addition to discussing the implications of unauthorized immigration, Van Duyne addressed concerns surrounding H-1B visa fraud. She noted that she, along with other members of Congress, had written a letter urging the administration to investigate allegations of misuse of H-1B visas, particularly in North Texas, where she believes such practices have adversely affected local job opportunities.
“The administration is absolutely taking it seriously,” Van Duyne stated. She expressed concern about the impact of H-1B visa holders on American workers, claiming that some visa holders may accept lower wages than their American counterparts, thus driving down wage levels for local job seekers. “We had jobs that were being created for these phantom visa holders that were affecting Americans being able to get jobs,” she emphasized.
Upcoming Job Fair in North Texas
Amidst these discussions, Van Duyne is preparing to host the fifth North Texas job fair of the year on August 6, 2026, at Globe Life Field in Arlington. This event is anticipated to draw a significant number of job seekers, following the success of last year’s fair, which attracted over 35,000 attendees. “This is not your typical job fair. This now represents the largest job fair in the country,” she claimed.
Van Duyne elaborated that the job fair will cover a wide array of industries, from healthcare to technology, providing opportunities for various job seekers, including entry-level positions and executive roles. The event is free for all North Texans, with additional information available online.
Conclusion
The report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas sheds light on the complex relationship between unauthorized immigration and economic factors such as housing prices and employment growth. As policymakers grapple with the implications of these findings, the ongoing debates surrounding immigration policy and economic strategy will likely intensify. The multifaceted effects of immigration on the U.S. economy remain a critical area of focus for lawmakers and economists alike, underscoring the need for informed discussions on how best to address the challenges posed by demographic shifts in the labor market.
