Classifying Foreign Labor and Student Enrollment as distinct U.S. Industries!
An Updated NAICS Framework!
In 2025–2026, foreign-born workers represented approximately 19–20% of the U.S. civilian labor force. Non-citizen workers (including green card holders, temporary visa holders, humanitarian authorizations, and those working via OPT/CPT) continued to play a significant role across key sectors such as professional and business services, manufacturing, trade/transportation, leisure & hospitality, construction, and agriculture (Bureau of Labor Statistics, February 2026).
Meanwhile, approximately 1.18 million international students (F-1, J-1, and related categories) were enrolled in U.S. institutions, with roughly 900,000 participating in work authorization programs (OPT/CPT). These students generated an estimated $44–55 billion in direct and indirect economic activity and supported hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs in housing, education, services, and transportation (IIE Open Doors 2025/2026; NAFSA estimates).
Despite this significant footprint, foreign labor and international student enrollment remain unclassified as distinct U.S. industries, operating largely within a regulatory blind spot. Unlike finance, manufacturing, or healthcare—each with defined oversight structures and NAICS codes—these sectors function without standardized reporting or taxation transparency.
Under OnShoringAmerica.com, the Industry Framework Paper proposes a pragmatic, non-legislative solution:
→ Formally classify foreign labor and international student enrollment as standalone U.S. industries under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS):
- NAICS 561399 — Foreign Labor Placement and Management Services
- NAICS 611319 — International Student Enrollment and Compliance Services
Importantly, this classification process does not require Congressional or Senate approval.
It can be enacted solely through the U.S. Census Bureau, allowing for administrative implementation without new legislation.
This reclassification would establish:
- Structured oversight of all non-citizen labor and enrollment channels,
- Transparent data reporting across federal and state agencies, and
- Targeted taxation and compliance mechanisms that do not alter immigration status or limit lawful participation.
Conclusion
Foreign labor and international student enrollment represent multi-billion-dollar industries. By classifying them under NAICS 561399 and 611319, the U.S. can bring transparency, accountability, and structure to sectors that have long operated with limited oversight — while prioritizing opportunities for American citizen workers and students.
Congressional advocacy can help amplify and accelerate these proposals, but official NAICS classification changes do not require legislative approval.