Immigration Enforcement Strains Labor Pool

Increased immigration enforcement and jobsite raids are intensifying workforce challenges for the housing industry, according to NAHB. In some markets, fear and uncertainty have discouraged even legally authorized workers from reporting to jobsites, contributing to construction delays and higher costs.

Immigrant workers account for more than one-quarter of the construction workforce, while government data indicate the industry remains short approximately 300,000 workers. A 2025 Home Builders Institute study found that skilled labor shortages add an average of two months to construction timelines, reduce annual housing production by 19,000 homes, and cost builders and consumers $10 billion each year.

NAHB is pursuing several responses, including:

• Advocating for consistent enforcement and due process
• Supporting legal pathways for qualified workers
• Urging passage of the DIGNITY Act and CONSTRUCTS Act
• Expanding apprenticeships, trade education, and skilled-career recruitment
• Seeking clarity regarding employer responsibility for subcontractor employees

NAHB has also published resources to help business owners prepare for immigration-enforcement activity. Materials include its “When ICE Comes Calling” guide, employer fact sheets, guidance for visits involving subcontractors, and sample contract language. Several resources are available in English and Spanish.

Members can read NAHB’s complete update and review the employer guidance through the links below. These materials provide general information and should not replace advice from qualified legal counsel.

Related Links:
NAHB update: https://www.nahb.org/blog/2026/09/immigration-enforcement
When ICE Comes Calling: https://www.nahb.org/-/media/NAHB/advocacy/docs/legal-issues/when-ice-comes-calling-020725.pdf
Spanish-language guide: https://www.nahb.org/-/media/NAHB/advocacy/docs/legal-issues/when-ice-comes-calling-spanish.pdf
Employer Fact Sheet — ICE/USCIS Site Visit: https://www.nahb.org/-/media/NAHB/advocacy/docs/legal-issues/ice-2025-site-visits.pdf
Employer Fact Sheet — ICE Raid: https://www.nahb.org/-/media/NAHB/advocacy/docs/legal-issues/ice-2025-site-raids.pdf
Subcontractor site-visit guidance: https://www.nahb.org/-/media/NAHB/advocacy/docs/legal-issues/ice-site-visit-subcontractors.pdf
Sample subcontractor/vendor contract language: https://www.nahb.org/-/media/NAHB/advocacy/docs/legal-issues/subcontractor-language-immigration-compliance.pdf