Immigration does not resemble a zero-sum game

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, July 25, 2026

Between 2019 and 2023, nearly two-thirds of new jobs in the European Union—about 2.7 million positions—were occupied by non-EU immigrants while unemployment among native workers stayed near historic lows. This trend indicates a labor market increasingly segmented by skill and sector, challenging the idea that immigrant job gains come at the expense of native-born workers and highlighting the need for effective integration policies.

Recent migration trends within the European Union reveal a significant impact on the labor market that challenges traditional notions of economic competition between immigrants and native-born workers. According to a 2024 working paper from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), nearly two-thirds of the jobs created in the EU between 2019 and 2023—approximately 2.7 million positions—were filled by non-EU citizens. During this period, unemployment rates among EU nationals remained at historic lows.

This data suggests that immigration may not fit the zero-sum framework often assumed in political and economic debates, where any gain for immigrants is seen as a direct loss for native workers. Instead, the labor market appears to be evolving into a more segmented structure. Native-born workers tend to move into higher-skilled roles in sectors such as education, healthcare, information and communications technology (ICT), and public administration. Immigrants, meanwhile, predominantly fill positions in construction, food services, and transportation—fields that frequently involve manual labor and may be less susceptible to automation or other business model shifts.

The evolving labor dynamics have sparked debate among policymakers and economists. Some view mass immigration as a potential threat to the political viability of left-of-center parties in both the United States and Europe, citing challenges in integrating unskilled workers into welfare states and labor markets. Advocates for immigration note that integration strategies play a crucial role in determining its economic effects, emphasizing the importance of policies that support immigrant employment and social inclusion.

While skepticism remains among some economists about immigration being a panacea for economic growth, current evidence indicates it may lead to a complementary relationship in the labor market that benefits both native-born citizens and immigrants when managed effectively. The ongoing challenge for governments lies in balancing labor market demands with social cohesion and public support.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.