Immigrant Workforce in Jeopardy: Trump’s Crackdown Raises Alarms for Businesses and Employees

At Total Quality, a cleaning business in Maryland, ***Victor Moran*** faces an uphill battle due to President Trump’s immigration policies. Despite screening new recruits for lawful work authorization, the tightening of immigrant protections has already led to the departure of 15 employees, with fears that the number could grow significantly if deportation efforts expand further.

This concern is echoed across the nation, as Trump’s aggressive deportation strategy targets not just undocumented immigrants but also those who previously benefitted from temporary protective status (TPS), leaving businesses vulnerable. In 2022, nearly one in five workers in the US was an immigrant—the highest level in decades—underscoring the integral role of immigrants in the economy. Trump’s crackdown comes amidst his long-standing pledge to reshape the immigration landscape, a cornerstone of his political platform that garnered support from various demographics, including Hispanic voters.

Trump’s revocation of protections for individuals from countries like Venezuela, Nicaragua, Haiti, and many others threatens to disrupt the lives of long-term residents like Justino Gomez, a TPS holder from El Salvador. He describes living in constant fear of ICE operations that could lead to his deportation despite years of contributing to society.

Economic experts highlight that as businesses struggle to replace these workers, the effects on economic growth could be severe, potentially leading to inflation and slower recovery time for sectors reliant on immigrant labor, such as healthcare, construction, and hospitality. Leaders in these sectors, including Esmail Porsa from the Harris Health System and Adam Lampert from Cambridge Caregivers, report significant challenges in finding qualified personnel, with the prospect of having to increase wages to attract talent becoming a looming issue.

While Trump’s administration is committed to enforcement, the businesses relying heavily on immigrant labor are raising urgent calls for comprehensive immigration reform, emphasizing the urgency of addressing workforce shortages. Industry representatives, such as Jim Tobin of the National Association of Homebuilders, express skepticism about immediate policy changes but highlight that the current enforcement-first approach is unsustainable without considering the economic ramifications.

Overall, the unease within businesses and among employees reflects a broader sense of anxiety about the future of the US workforce, particularly as Trump’s policies continue to alter the landscape of immigration and labor.