How Immigration Shapes the Roofing Industry: Challenges and Opportunities

The construction industry, including the roofing sector, is feeling the ripple effects of President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown. With U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ramping up efforts to arrest and detain individuals unauthorized to work in the U.S., the labor market in construction is once again under pressure.

The Current Landscape

According to Pew Research Center estimates:

• About 26% of construction workers are immigrants.
• 13% of workers in the industry are not authorized to work in the U.S.

Given these figures, any aggressive immigration enforcement directly affects the available labor pool for roofing businesses.

ICE has reported approximately 1,000 arrests per day in the current crackdown, a significant increase from the 310 daily arrests recorded during former President Joe Biden’s last year in office.

What This Means for Roofing Companies

Roofing, like many trades within construction, relies heavily on skilled labor — often from foreign-born workers. The sudden removal of a portion of the workforce due to deportations or fear of legal repercussions could cause:

• Project delays: Fewer workers mean longer timelines to complete roofing projects.
• Increased costs: With a shrinking labor pool, wages could rise as companies compete for fewer skilled workers.
• Business disruptions: Companies may face audits or legal checks, adding administrative burdens.

Navigating the Uncertainty

While Trump's team is divided on immigration policies, with some members advocating for skilled work visas like H-1B and others pushing for stricter controls, the reality for roofing companies is clear: preparation is key.

Options for roofing businesses include:

• Exploring the H-2B visa program: While EB-3 and H-1B visas typically target college-educated workers, H-2B visas offer a pathway for temporary foreign workers to fill essential roles in construction.
• Strengthening internal processes: Ensure employee documentation is up-to-date and accurate to avoid complications during audits.
• Building a resilient hiring strategy: Diversify recruitment efforts to attract skilled workers domestically while staying informed about changing immigration laws.

The Bottom Line

The Roofing Academy remains committed to helping roofing professionals navigate these challenges. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to sustain and grow your business, regardless of shifting immigration policies.