A recent report by the Center for Latin American Monetary Studies reveals a decline in Mexican immigrant employment in the U.S. during the first two months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey, the number of employed Mexican immigrants dropped by 16,046 positions—a 0.2% decrease—from 7,474,325 in early 2024 to 7,458,279 in early 2025.
However, the report does not determine whether this decline stems from reduced demand for labor or whether fear of deportation has kept some workers away from jobs.
“Rumors of raids are having more impact at this point than raids themselves,” said Brian Turmail, vice president of public affairs for the Associated General Contractors of America, in a March 7 Axios report. Business groups have urged the Trump administration to reconsider its intensified immigration enforcement, warning of economic repercussions.
The decline primarily affected Mexican immigrants without U.S. citizenship, including both documented non-citizens and undocumented workers. In contrast, employment among Mexican immigrants who are U.S. citizens increased.
The job loss has been particularly pronounced among men. Employment for Mexican immigrant men fell by 65,967 positions (a 1.4% decline), while female employment rose by 49,921 positions (1.9%), increasing women’s share of the Mexican immigrant workforce to 36.2% in early 2025.
This trend follows declines in the previous two-month periods, indicating a steady downturn in employment for Mexican immigrants—especially for non-citizen men.
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