July’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) job report confirms that all net employment gains were claimed by native‑born Americans — not foreign-born workers. The shift reflects higher labor participation among U.S. citizens and a decrease in foreign worker involvement, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
In an appearance on CNBC, President Donald Trump hailed the jobs data as a win for working-class and lower-middle-class Americans. “That’s a great number… because it means we’re putting Americans to work,” he said.
DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin echoed Trump’s assessment. “The latest job gains went exclusively to native-born Americans as illegal aliens exited the labor force,” she stated. “Under Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, America is again prosperous — and Americans are in the workforce.”
Economist E.J. Antoni charted the shift on social media, noting that U.S.-born employment rose by 2 million year-over-year — while foreign-born employment declined by 237,000. He emphasized that heavy foreign worker participation in job growth under the prior administration has been reversed: “All net job growth over the last year went to native-born Americans.”
The DHS praised its self-deportation initiative, which incentivizes foreign nationals to return home voluntarily. They’re offered $1,000—paid via the CBP Home App—along with travel assistance and a legal re-entry opportunity. “We encourage illegal aliens to self-deport before it’s too late,” McLaughlin added.
While headline job figures remain steady, the report shows the labor market is undergoing significant realignment. For months, federal policy has focused on restoring American labor participation amid rising immigration. The July report marks a stark contrast to figures during the Biden administration, when migrant labor drove much of post-pandemic employment growth.
Critics argue the shift could strain industries dependent on immigrant labor, though proponents say it strengthens national job security. For now, the Trump administration portrays the jobs numbers as validation of immigration reform and America’s return to workforce primacy.
