Gen Z Grads Face Tough Job Market, Blame H-1B Visa Program
Gen Z graduates are facing significant challenges in securing full-time employment, with a recent survey revealing that nearly 58% of them are actively seeking jobs. This figure is higher than that of millennials, Gen Xers, and baby boomers, highlighting the growing difficulties young people encounter in the job market. As a result, many social media users have called for the termination of the H-1B visa program, blaming it for taking away opportunities from local workers.
On platforms like X, users have expressed frustration over the impact of foreign worker visa programs on job availability. One user, Andrew Pollack, wrote, “We need to eliminate the H-1B program immediately; this is dire,” while sharing stories about how hard it is for new graduates to find work. The sentiment was echoed by others who believe that removing the H-1B program could force companies to hire locally instead of relying on foreign talent.
Another user commented, “Sure. Let’s eliminate the H-1B program so when companies can’t get the talent they need, the only option is to outsource to other countries.” This perspective reflects a growing concern among some Americans that the current system favors foreign workers over domestic ones.
Some users also highlighted the impact of H-1B migrants on entry-level jobs traditionally held by teenagers. One person shared, “In CA, illegals and H-1B migrants have taken all the entry-level jobs that teenage U.S. citizens once occupied, such as fast food. When I grew up, it was kids that mowed lawns and washed cars or delivered papers to earn extra cash. Not anymore; they are 30+ year-old migrants that can barely speak English.”
The conversation around the H-1B program has sparked broader discussions about the state of the job market and the challenges faced by young graduates. Many argue that the program is a temporary fix for a deeper issue within the immigration system. A user stated, “H1B is a Band-Aid for a broken immigration system. Time to put American workers first.”
Struggles in the Job Market
The Kickresume survey further emphasizes the struggles of young job seekers in an increasingly automated world. It found that only 12% of Gen Z graduates secured a full-time job before graduating, compared to 40% of graduates from older generations. This stark contrast highlights the growing gap between expectations and reality for today’s young professionals.
Additionally, only 11% of students now work part-time, down from 19% of previous graduates who worked part-time while studying. Instead of starting their careers right away, many Gen Z graduates are turning to part-time roles, freelance work, or jobs in restaurants, cafes, or delivery services to make ends meet.
About 20% of respondents said they have been looking for a job for over a year. What’s more, 40% of people who had a job last year say they haven’t received any job interview invitations so far in 2024. Many graduates report sending out dozens of resumes without receiving any response from potential employers.
Barriers to Employment
One of the major issues identified in the survey is the mismatch between what employers are looking for and what new graduates can offer. Sixty-five percent of Gen Z graduates said that the lack of experience is their biggest barrier to getting a job, which is significantly higher than the 44% reported by older generations. Many also struggle with creating effective resumes, which further hinders their chances of landing interviews.
This challenge is compounded by the increasing automation of entry-level jobs, making it even harder for new graduates to find work. With rising tuition fees and fewer job opportunities, over 4 million young people in North America are classified as NEETs—Not in Education, Employment, or Training. In the UK, this number is also on the rise, according to reports from The Fortune.
As the job market continues to evolve, the need for systemic changes becomes more apparent. From reforming immigration policies to addressing the skills gap and supporting young graduates, there is a growing call for solutions that prioritize the needs of the younger generation.
