A critical labor shortage in the homebuilding industry is fueling the housing affordability crisis in America. The industry doesn’t have nearly enough workers to build homes, leading to longer construction times and rising costs.

Labor Gap

Experts point to an aging workforce, a lack of younger Americans entering the skilled trades, and immigration policies that have failed to keep pace with labor needs. The construction industry is short by approximately 250,000 workers every month, according to Jim Tobin, president and CEO of the National Association of Home Builders.

The shortage is already affecting how quickly homes can be built. Labor constraints are extending construction timelines and driving up costs, according to Home Builders Institute President and CEO Ed Brady. Builders say replenishing the skilled trades pipeline is only part of the solution.

Immigration Reform

While builders continue to invest in workforce development programs and encourage more young Americans to enter the skilled trades, Tobin argued for immigration reform measures that he says will benefit the industry. Many construction jobs do not require a four-year college degree and can provide stable, middle-class careers, but the home construction industry has struggled for years to attract enough workers to replace retiring tradespeople.

Builders have become increasingly reliant on immigrant labor, with immigrants accounting for roughly one-third of the homebuilding contractor workforce. Tobin called on lawmakers to modernize the nation’s immigration system, including creating legal pathways for workers already in the country and expanding visa opportunities for those seeking construction jobs.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.