As President Trump's administration escalates its ruthless crackdown on immigrants, the repercussions are echoing through the very fabric of our economy. With nearly one in five workers in the U.S. being foreign-born, according to census data, the stakes couldn't be higher for businesses reliant on these essential workers.
Immigrant Workers are Critical to Business Operations
Victor Moran, CEO of Total Quality in Maryland, reflects the growing anxiety among business leaders. He reports losing 15 workers due to Trump's recent actions stripping protections from immigrants from Venezuela and Nicaragua. If the crackdown expands, he anticipates losing hundreds more. This reality is not just a personal concern for Moran; it's an impending crisis for many industries that depend on immigrant labor.
Substantial Economic Damage is Inevitable
Economic experts are warning that Trump's policies are not just targeting undocumented immigrants but are undermining the entire workforce. Giovanni Peri, an economist at the University of California, Davis, emphasizes that the growth in the workforce—historically fueled by immigrants—has already flattened since January 2017. This stagnation threatens to slow economic growth, raise inflation, and ultimately restructure the labor market in ways that benefit neither workers nor businesses.
Fear and Anxiety Among Immigrant Communities
Justino Gomez, a 73-year-old immigrant from El Salvador, embodies the terrifying reality faced by countless families. Gomez lives under the constant threat of deportation despite having lived and worked in the U.S. for three decades under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). His story illustrates the human cost of Trump's immigration policies, as fear grips communities that have contributed to our economy for years.
Communities at Risk of Disruption
As reported by the BBC, the consequences of these policies extend beyond individual fears. Industries reliant on immigrant labor, such as agriculture and healthcare, are already feeling the pinch. Adam Lampert, CEO of a caregiving company, notes that 80% of his workforce is foreign-born. With such a significant portion of the labor pool under threat, inflation is poised to skyrocket, and essential services may begin to falter.
Plante Moran to merge in Denver's EKS&H | Accounting Today
Corporate Leaders Urge Policy Reform
In an alarming response to the labor shortage, the National Association of Homebuilders is pleading for Congress to reform immigration laws to create special visas for construction workers. Jim Tobin, the association's president, acknowledges that the current focus on enforcement over reform is unsustainable. As the workforce shrinks, the economic implications are dire—rising costs and slowing construction are just the tip of the iceberg.
Long-Term Viability of U.S. Economy at Stake
The long-term viability of the U.S. economy hinges on immigrant contributions. As Peri warns, if these policies persist, the U.S. risks transforming from a vibrant melting pot of innovation and hard work into a stagnant, insular economy. The data shows that the foreign-born population accounted for 19.2% of the U.S. civilian labor force in 2024, up from 18.6% in 2023, highlighting how integral these workers are to our economic framework.
Legal Challenges and Resistance
Legal challenges to Trump's actions are growing, with unions like SEIU stepping up to defend immigrant rights. Lawsuits against the termination of TPS and other work authorizations underscore a broader movement pushing back against this administration's anti-immigrant agenda. The fear is palpable, but so is the resolve within the labor community to fight back against these injustices.
Immigration Policy Needs an Overhaul
The urgent need for a comprehensive immigration policy overhaul is clearer than ever. Businesses, workers, and families are all caught in the crossfire of a political battle that threatens to dismantle the very foundations of our economy. We cannot afford to ignore the cries for justice from those who have sacrificed so much to contribute to our society.
June 24th 2025 Protest - Miriam Segura
