Late last week President Donald Trump unveiled a plan aimed at offering limited migration relief for undocumented immigrants employed in the U.S. agricultural and hospitality sectors. According to reports, the idea was presented during a Cabinet meeting. Under the plan, certain undocumented workers might be allowed to leave the country voluntarily and return under legal work status—provided their employers can confirm their importance and contributions.
“We have to take care of our farmers, the hotels and, you know, the various places where they tend to, where they tend to need people,” Trump stated.
He also mentioned the possibility of offering reentry opportunities for those who have already departed on good terms. “We’re going to work with them right from the beginning on, trying to get them back in legally,” Trump said, emphasizing that such a system would offer “real incentive” to both businesses and workers.
U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics estimates that about 40% of the crop-farming workforce lacks legal status. Similarly, the American Immigration Council reported that in 2023, more than one million undocumented workers made up roughly 7.6% of the hospitality workforce. These sectors heavily rely on consistent seasonal labor, especially while awaiting the issuance of new H-2B visas.
Despite the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement and increase deportations, Trump acknowledged the critical role played by immigrant labor. “A farmer will come in with a letter concerning certain people, saying they’re great, they’re working hard. We’re going to slow it down a little bit for them,” he said. “Then we’re going to ultimately bring them back … as legal workers.”
Immigrants contribute nearly $580 billion annually in taxes, have a spending power of $1.6 trillion, and added almost $50 billion in personal income and consumer spending last year alone.
The American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) cautions that deporting undocumented workers could result in economic losses between $30 billion and $60 billion. Nonetheless, the group supports measures that create lawful avenues for vital workers to remain.
Rebecca Shi, executive director of ABIC, praised the administration’s acknowledgment of immigrant labor, remarking that these individuals are “the backbone of our economy.”
Newsweek reports that details regarding implementation remain unclear, the administration signaled that additional H-2A and H-2B visas are expected ahead of the summer hiring season.
No, they are not the “backbone” of our economy. They work for less money. Make it so they cannot get paid less than what they should and see who shows up to work. Then we will know who is needed.
Dear President Trump,
If you do create a path for undocumented farmworkers (immigrants) to stay and work within our United States to work as “farmers/farm-hands”? Please show them the way to the nearest toilet facilities as to reduce the effects of food contamination. ie, E-COLI………….