Research Library

The U.S. health care system is grappling with a severe labor shortage, worsened by the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and an aging population. A new report from the Center for the U.S and Mexico offers recommendations to address the sector’s needs, including expanding visa availability, reforming occupational licensing, specializing recruitment, and streamlining the immigration process.

Both presidential candidates have endorsed a policy of no tax on tips. But would this approach really help the low-income workers it’s meant to support? Fellow Joyce Beebe reviews the current tax treatment of tip income, summarizing the main arguments against such a policy, potential impacts, and possible alternatives

The purpose, scope, and scale of the roadsTaken project is introduced by Research Associate Matt Drwenski. He describes the research questions and challenges in studying Houston’s urban freeways and provides an in-depth overview.

Matt Drwenski discusses the history of freeway planning in Houston, Texas — from its origins in the early 20th century to the completion of the city’s urban highway system.

By prioritizing energy transition speed over economic stability, Germany’s recent energy policies have resulted in persistent economic underperformance, the fear of growing industrial weakness, and potential political instability. Germany’s current economic status offers valuable lessons for the United States’ and other countries’ approaches to renewable energy adoption, writes Ted Loch-Temzelides.

To provide better security and asylum resources at the U.S.-Mexico border, the new U.S. administration and Congress should create legal pathways for immigration, update and better fund the asylum system, and focus political messaging on the historic importance of providing refuge to those seeking safety, writes fellow Kelsey Norman.

San Diego and Tijuana, key entry points at the U.S.-Mexico border, face challenges in meeting the needs of migrants arriving in their cities due to insufficient shelter capacity, infrastructure, and funding. Ana Martín Gil’s new report examines the cities’ differing migrant reception systems and approaches to collaborative efforts among international, federal, and local groups, while also providing policy recommendations to advance the development of an orderly and humane asylum system.

Despite being one of the largest and most dynamic sectors of the U.S. economy, the construction industry faces a severe labor shortage due to an aging workforce, lower birth rates, and reduced immigration. This new report from the Center for the U.S and Mexico offers recommendations to address the industry’s needs, including authorizing more migrant workers through limited-term visas and promoting construction skills and careers to young people.

The U.S. is facing an ongoing labor shortage that is hampering its economic growth and contributing to inflationary pressures. Allowing more foreign-born workers into the U.S. in an orderly and legal manner is an effective way to ease this shortage.