Evan Sohn Discusses the Job Market and Immigration on CNBC

In a thought-provoking discussion on CNBC’s The Exchange, our own Evan Sohn, CEO of Aura Intelligence, joined Steve Liesman and Kelly Evans for a job market update and to dissect the critical role of immigration in the U.S. labor market. The conversation shed light on how immigration fills open jobs and creates new employment opportunities, a perspective often overlooked in broader economic discussions.

For Aura's most recent job market analysis, view the February Job Report.

The Impact of Immigration on the Labor Market

Evan Sohn emphasized the nuanced ways immigration influences job availability and wage dynamics. He identified three key categories of immigration that shape the labor force:

1. Highly Skilled Workers (H-1B Visa Holders) – These professionals, particularly in tech and engineering, fill critical gaps in the workforce. With tightening immigration policies, companies face increased wage pressures to retain talent locally.

2. Lower-Wage Workers – Many service-sector jobs, particularly in hospitality and restaurants, depend on immigrant labor. When immigration slows, businesses raise wages or explore automation to offset labor shortages.

3. Entrepreneurial Immigrants – Immigrants contribute significantly to small business growth. Many of the most successful U.S. companies, from Google to Tesla, were founded by immigrants. Sohn pointed out that the job-creating potential of immigrant-led businesses is often underestimated.

Labor Market Trends and Future Implications

Sohn and Liesman discussed recent employment data, including workforce participation and quit rates. The conversation underscored a broader concern: If restrictions on skilled immigration persist, businesses will struggle to fill key roles, leading to a possible slowdown in job creation. Goldman Sachs’ analysis suggests only a minor impact on the unemployment rate, but the long-term consequences remain uncertain.

Looking Ahead: Policy and Workforce Strategy

As workforce analytics continue to shape business and investment decisions, platforms like Aura are helping organizations decode labor market shifts. Aura’s AI-driven insights enable companies to monitor hiring trends, skills evolution, and workforce dynamics, ensuring they stay ahead of industry shifts.

With ongoing debates about immigration policy and labor shortages, Sohn’s insights reinforce the need for data-driven workforce strategies. Employers, policymakers, and investors must navigate these challenges carefully to sustain economic growth.

Watch the Discussion Below

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