The roofing industry in the US is facing a challenge that many other parts of construction also deal with, as a significant number of roofing workers are believed to be undocumented immigrants. With the implementation of stricter immigration policies under President Donald Trump’s administration, the industry potentially faces a labour shortage.
How many undocumented workers are there?
Although it is difficult to count exactly how many undocumented immigrants are working in roofing, industry surveys suggest they make up a huge part of the labour force, especially in states such as Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida. In some areas, up to 30% of roofing workers may be undocumented. These workers often take on dangerous and lower-paid jobs, which are hard to fill with legal workers, and are a major reason why many roofing businesses have been able to keep up with the demand.
2025 changes
Since returning to office in 2025, President Trump has again made immigration enforcement one of his top priorities. The number of worksite raids and audits has increased, and companies are now more cautious about whom they hire. While these policies are aimed at protecting American jobs, many experts say they could make the labour shortage in construction, especially in roofing, much worse.
Meanwhile, increased demand for housing means that roofers in Gosport are busier than ever, but many roofers say finding workers is getting harder. After Brexit, limited international labour resources have meant that roofers Gosport and elsewhere in the UK have limited hiring options, with companies now feeling the pressure.
Why US employers turn to undocumented labour
Roofing is one of the most physically tough jobs in construction, involving long hours outside, often in extreme weather, climbing high structures, and carrying heavy materials. As a result, it can be hard to find enough US citizens who are willing to do the work. Many roofing companies, especially smaller ones, rely on undocumented workers because they are willing to work hard and often accept lower pay without benefits such as health insurance or overtime.
Summary
This article looks at how the US roofing industry relies on undocumented labour, with surveys suggesting up to 30% of workers in states like Texas, California and Florida may be undocumented. It covers how stricter immigration enforcement since 2025 has increased worksite raids, potentially worsening labour shortages, and notes UK roofers face hiring difficulties since Brexit limited international labour. It explains employers often turn to undocumented workers because the job is hard to staff otherwise.
Questions this article raises
- How reliable are industry surveys estimating undocumented worker percentages in roofing?
- What specific policy changes have followed the increase in worksite raids since 2025?
- How are UK roofing firms adapting their hiring since Brexit reduced overseas labour access?
