WASHINGTON (AP) — Last week, President Donald Trump’s decision to pause immigration raids brought relief to farmers, cattle ranchers, and hospitality industry professionals, who were facing disruptions and losing foreign-born workers. Rebecca Shi, CEO of the American Business Immigration Coalition, noted a sense of calm during this time.
However, the respite was short-lived. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin of the Department of Homeland Security declared on Wednesday that industries harboring violent criminals or obstructing immigration enforcement efforts would not be spared. This statement left businesses puzzled about the government’s policy, leading to renewed fear and worry among workers.
Trump’s campaign promise to deport millions of immigrants working illegally in the United States has mobilized his GOP supporters. The crackdown intensified under the directive of White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who set a quota of 3,000 daily arrests for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
ICE’s increased presence, including raids on farms and restaurants, has caused significant disruption. Many workers, legal or not, are avoiding work out of fear of being targeted by ICE. In some cases, workers are staying away based on rumors, even in the absence of actual ICE activity.
The impact on businesses has been severe, with one dairy losing a significant portion of its workforce, and a restaurant experiencing absenteeism among Hispanic employees. These challenges have been relayed to Trump and lawmakers by advocacy groups like the American Business Immigration Coalition.
The uncertainty and anxiety among workers highlight the need for clarity and compassion in immigration enforcement policies. Business leaders, workers, and advocacy groups are calling for a more humane approach to address the complexities of immigration in the workforce.
“Our farmers and those in the hotel and leisure industry have expressed concerns that our strict immigration policies are displacing valuable, long-term workers who are difficult to replace. This clash between political agendas and economic realities was highlighted once again with the current low U.S. unemployment rate of 4.2%, leading many businesses to rely on immigrant workers for essential roles. Foreign-born workers represented a significant portion of jobs in food service and agricultural sectors in 2023, despite making up less than 19% of the overall employed workforce. The impact of immigration enforcement actions on farms and hospitality businesses was criticized by industry leaders, emphasizing the vital role of immigrant labor in these sectors. Economists have noted that undocumented workers play a substantial role in filling jobs that may not be pursued by American citizens, contributing to overall job growth and economic stability. However, the uncertainty surrounding deportation plans under the current administration is creating challenges for businesses and hindering long-term planning. The discord between immigration policies and economic objectives is a growing concern, as businesses navigate the shifting landscape of workforce dynamics.”
