How language access for immigrants can support the U.S. economy: the example of Washington, DC
Like much of the United States, Washington, DC thrives on diversity, and its immigrant workforce is central to this success. Immigrants make up nearly a fifth of the city’s labor force, bringing expertise to healthcare, technology, and public service industries. However, behind these achievements lie untapped opportunities constrained by systemic barriers.
We’ll start by understanding the scope of immigrant contributions in Washington, DC, and the obstacles they encounter toward creating a more inclusive and dynamic economy.
Understanding the Immigrant Workforce in Washington, DC
According to USA Facts, as of 2022, immigrants held 18.9% of jobs in Washington, DC, indicating a slight increase from previous years.
This upward trend underscores the growing importance of immigrants in the city’s workforce, playing essential roles in key industries, including healthcare, public administration, and professional services, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Yet, beneath these contributions lies an untapped potential waiting to be unlocked.
Educational and professional insights
According to the American Immigration Council, DC immigrants are highly educated contributors, with over 57% holding a college degree or higher, making them one of the most educated immigrant groups in the country. This level of education surpasses that of many native-born populations in similar regions.
Even with this high level of education, many of these skilled individuals face significant challenges due to language barriers. These barriers often prevent immigrant workers from working in fields aligned with their qualifications.
For example, a trained physician from El Salvador may end up working in a restaurant rather than practicing medicine. This mismatch of skills and jobs limits their career potential and the economic value they could bring to the region.
The gap between immigrants’ skills and job opportunities often concerns communication. Without language access, even the most qualified individuals face hurdles navigating licensing systems, securing jobs, and advancing their careers. Addressing these barriers is key to unlocking their full potential.
Language Access and Overcoming Communication Barriers
Language barriers limit economic mobility for many immigrants. Nationwide, 46% of immigrants have limited English proficiency, affecting their ability to secure jobs that align with their qualifications, forcing many to take positions far below their skill level.
Licensing requirements exacerbate the problem for highly skilled immigrants. Professions like healthcare and engineering often require proof of language proficiency through exams or certifications. This process can be costly, time-consuming, and unnecessarily restrictive for immigrants trained abroad.
For example, a foreign-trained nurse may struggle to meet these requirements despite being highly qualified to practice. This mismatch leaves critical industries understaffed while immigrant workers remain underemployed.
Case study: Washington State’s licensing reform
Washington State recently took steps to address these challenges. In 2024, the state introduced policies allowing immigrants to use Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) instead of Social Security numbers to apply for professional licenses. Implementing ITINs removed a significant barrier for undocumented workers and others with limited access to traditional documentation.
The reform opened pathways for immigrants to pursue healthcare, teaching, and accounting careers—professions critical to the state’s economy. According to testimony from impacted workers, this policy shift allowed them to apply for jobs they were previously locked out of, unlocking untapped economic potential.
Maryland and DC could benefit from adopting similar policies. Both regions depend heavily on immigrant workers in the healthcare and professional services industries. Aligning licensing requirements with Washington State’s model would give immigrants in these regions greater access to skilled jobs, helping fill workforce gaps while boosting economic growth.
While licensing reforms address structural barriers, language access tackles the everyday challenges immigrants face in the workplace. From job training to customer interactions, translation services are pivotal in connecting skilled workers to opportunities and enabling them to thrive in their chosen fields.
Bridging Gaps in Washington, DC’s Immigrant Workforce with Translation Services
Language access is the ability to communicate and understand across linguistic barriers, and it’s the key for immigrants to participate fully in the workforce.
In professional environments, translation services bridge communication gaps, enabling immigrants to access jobs that match their skills and qualifications, resulting in fewer missed opportunities for employers and employees.
Translation services also play a crucial role in integrating immigrants into the labor force so they understand workplace policies, safety protocols, and training materials to contribute more effectively. These services remove barriers for immigrants with limited English proficiency, allowing them to advance in their careers and boost productivity.
The economic impact of effective translation services
Businesses benefit directly from multilingual employees. Employees who can serve diverse customers or collaborate in global markets make companies more competitive.
For example, in industries like healthcare, where clear communication can save lives, language access ensures patients receive better care while improving workplace efficiency.
Multilingual food services and hospitality staff enhance customer experiences and drive revenue growth.
For example, the American Immigration Council highlights three key sectors where multilingual employees create economic impact:
- Healthcare: 8,493 immigrant workers rely on language support to communicate effectively and ensure patient care.
- Food Services: 9,156 immigrant workers benefit from translation services to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement.
- Technology and Professional Services: Language access improves collaboration and unlocks global business opportunities.
Economic Benefits of Language Support Programs for Washington DC
Research has shown language support programs offer two primary benefits for Washington DC and the United States:
- Job creation and retention
- Boost to local economies
Job creation and retention
Language support programs help employers retain skilled immigrant workers by addressing communication gaps, making it easier for workers to perform their jobs effectively and feel valued. This improved communication is particularly important in fields like customer service and healthcare, where clear understanding is vital—potentially lifesaving.
Bilingual workers play a critical role in healthcare settings, ensuring patients with limited English proficiency understand their care plans and instructions. In customer service, multilingual employees bridge gaps between businesses and diverse customer bases, improving satisfaction and loyalty. Without language support, companies risk losing these valuable employees and missing out on their unique skills.
Boost to local economies
Immigrants are significant contributors to local economies. In 2018, immigrant-led households in Washington, DC, had $3 billion in spending power after taxes. This spending drives demand for goods and services, creating jobs and boosting businesses across the city.
Language services amplify these economic contributions. When immigrants can access translation and language support, they navigate job markets more effectively, find higher-paying roles, and participate fully in the economy.
Employers also benefit, as skilled immigrants contribute more effectively to workplace goals. Together, these effects strengthen the local economy and foster a more inclusive workforce.
Boost Your Economic Growth in Washington, DC, with The Language Doctors
Language barriers remain a significant obstacle for immigrants in Washington, DC, preventing them from reaching their full potential in the workforce. Employers can unlock this untapped talent by investing in translation services and language access programs, filling critical workforce gaps, enhancing productivity, and boosting the local economy.
At The Language Doctors (TLD), we specialize in removing these language barriers. With over 25 years of experience, TLD provides expert translation and interpretation services in more than 200 languages from our network of 2,000+ language experts, empowering businesses and individuals to communicate effectively and succeed in a diverse world.
Discover why leading Fortune 500 companies and US Government agencies trust The Language Doctors—Book a discovery call or get a quote today.