America has a workforce crisis. The solution is already here - and it's being wasted

Key Points:

• The U.S. workforce is shrinking due to declining birth rates, a decreasing under-24 population projected for the next 30 years, and negative net migration starting in 2025, threatening economic growth and competitiveness.
• Many skilled, work-authorized immigrants with degrees and professional experience face barriers like credential recognition and hiring biases, leading to underemployment and wasted talent.
• Programs like Upwardly Global demonstrate that with proper support, immigrant professionals can transition into roles matching their skills, significantly increasing their earnings and contributing to the economy.
• Business leaders can address workforce challenges by focusing on candidates' actual skills rather than credential origins, partnering with workforce organizations, and investing in education to build future talent pipelines.
• Companies that proactively engage with immigrant talent and support workforce development are positioned to lead economic innovation and growth amid demographic shifts.