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Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Trump's immigration surprise: These industries will get a temporary pass for foreign workers
US president Donald Trump revealed surprising information about his immigration policy, saying that his administration is working on a plan that could give temporary passes to undocumented immigrants working in certain industries like agriculture and hospitality, as per a report. Donald Trump Hints at Temporary Passes for Undocumented Workers in Key Industries During an interview which was aired on Sunday on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures", Trump shared the latest development as he said, 'We're working on it right now. We're going to work it so that some kind of a temporary pass where people pay taxes, where the farmer can have a little control, as opposed to you walk in and take everybody away,' as quoted by NBC News in its report. The US president pointed out that the authorities are going to farms and taking 'away people that have been working there for 15 and 20 years, who are good, who possibly came in incorrectly,' as quoted in the report. Trump explained that, 'What we're going to do is we're going to do something for farmers, where we can let the farmer sort of be in charge. The farmer knows. He's not going to hire a murderer,' as quoted by NBC News in its report. He even justified his latest strategy, saying, 'When you go into a farm and he's had somebody working with him for nine years doing this kind of work, which is hard work to do, and a lot of people aren't going to do it, and you end up destroying a farmer because you took all the people away, it's a problem,' as quoted in the report. ALSO READ: Trump's Big Beautiful Bill in the Senate: When will the vote happen, and will it pass? Live Events His move marks a shift in the Trump administration's way of handling immigrant farmworkers, according to NBC News. While his remarks came after the White House in recent weeks had pondered about whether to exempt certain worksites from Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, as per the report. Trump had written on his social media site, Truth Socia,l on June 12 that farmers and people in the hotel and leisure industries had said the administration's immigration policy 'is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace,' quoted NBC News. Trump had said at that time, 'we must protect our Farmers,' adding that 'changes are coming,' as quoted in the report. The Bigger Picture: H-2A and H-2B Reform? While, in April, the US president had hinted at the idea that undocumented people working at farms and hotels might be allowed to leave the country and return legally, as reported by NBC News. Even a Trump administration official had told NBC News at that time that Trump wanted to improve H-2A and H-2B programmes, which allow employers to temporarily hire migrant workers, according to the report. ALSO READ: World War III brewing? After Israel-Iran clash, Russia and Azerbaijan face off over arrested journalists Homeland Security Maintains Hardline Position However, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security gave NBC News the same comment the department had given this month after the White House had reversed a plan to limit immigration enforcement activity at certain industry workplaces, according to the report. The statement says, "The President has been incredibly clear. There will be no safe spaces for industries who harbor violent criminals or purposely try to undermine ICE's efforts," as quoted by NBC News report. It added that, "Worksite enforcement remains a cornerstone of our efforts to safeguard public safety, national security and economic stability. These operations target illegal employment networks that undermine American workers, destabilize labor markets and expose critical infrastructure to exploitation," as quoted in the report. FAQs What is Trump proposing for undocumented workers? A temporary legal pass allowing them to keep working, especially in industries like farming and hospitality. Does this mean ICE raids will stop? It is unclear as DHS insists it will continue enforcing immigration laws, particularly against violent offenders and illegal employment networks.


Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
California Republicans tell Trump ICE raids should focus on criminals, not ordinary workers
Six Republicans in the California Legislature have sent a letter to President Trump urging him to focus on targeting violent criminals in his immigration crackdown, saying that the sweeping ongoing raids are instilling widespread fear in their communities and driving workers out of critical industries. State Sen. Suzette Valladares (R-Santa Clarita) led the Republican coalition in sending the letter asking that Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security alter their enforcement tactics, which the politicians say are leading to the arrest of non-criminal migrants and labor shortages that are worsening the state's affordability crisis. 'The recent ICE workplace raids on farms, at construction sites, and in restaurants and hotels, have led to unintended consequences that are harming the communities we represent and the businesses that employ our constituents,' wrote the Republicans. 'We have heard from employers in our districts that recent ICE raids are not only targeting undocumented workers, but also creating widespread fear among other employees, including those with legal immigration status. 'We urge you to direct ICE and DHS to focus their enforcement operations on criminal immigrants, and when possible to avoid the kinds of sweeping raids that instill fear and disrupt the workplace,' they added. From June 1 to 10, ICE data show that 722 people were arrested in the Los Angeles region, according to figures obtained by the Deportation Data Project at UC Berkeley Law. A Times analysis found that 69% of those arrested during that period had no criminal conviction, and 58% had never been charged with a crime. Many of the raids were executed in open-air locations, such as car washes, Home Depot parking lots and street-vending spots. DHS said that from June 6 to 22, more than 1,600 immigrants were detained for deportation in Southern California but did not provide information on the number of those arrested who had criminal histories. Members of both the L.A. City Council and the L.A. County Board of Supervisors have said they are exploring legal avenues to prevent federal agents from unlawfully stopping, questioning or detaining individuals without reasonable suspicion — arguing that the ongoing raids are unconstitutionally based on the racial profiling of people in open-air locations. In the letter to the president, the Republican coalition say that the fear spread by ICE raids is exacerbating an already tight labor market. They also ask Trump to expand and streamline H-2A and H-2B visa programs to authorize more legal guest workers to enter the country to make it easier for employees to get the workers they need. 'From construction to hospitality to food processing, California's employers are struggling to fill positions,' the Republicans wrote. 'Legal, temporary labor should be easier to access and better tailored to support a strong California economy.' The coalition further urges the Trump administration to focus on modernizing the immigration system to allow non-criminal immigrants who have lived in local communities for years a pathway toward legal status. The letter is signed by Valladares; Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-Santee) and Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa), as well as members of the state Assembly Heath Flora (R-Ripon), Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) and Laurie Davies (R-Oceanside). The White House did not immediately respond to The Times' request for comment. The letter makes it clear that the six Republicans blame Democrats for enabling the mass entrance of illegal immigrants into the country and for killing Republican-authored bills in California that would allow local government to work with federal immigration authorities to deport criminals who are in this country illegally. 'Under the previous administration, over ten million illegal immigrants entered the United States — a reality that harms our communities, overwhelms government services, and hurts businesses and working Americans alike,' they wrote. The California Republicans say they fully support the Trump administration's effort to deport violent criminals and approve of his decision to federalize the National Guard to defend federal property and personnel from immigration-related unrest. 'Decades of failed policies have led us to the difficult situation we face today,' said Valladares in a statement on the letter. 'We are now urging the Administration to prioritize public safety, while advancing immigration and visa policies that strengthen our economy, secure our borders, and keep our communities safe.'


Economic Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Trump administration unveils ‘temporary pass' plan to protect immigrants in certain industries
AP Trump administration unveils 'temporary pass' plan to protect immigrants (AP Photo/Manuel Ceneta) In a significant policy development, the Trump administration announced it is preparing a new 'temporary pass' system designed to allow long-term immigrant workers in critical sectors such as agriculture and hospitality to remain legally employed in the United States. The announcement was made by President Trump during a Fox News interview aired on June 29, 2025, and confirmed by Department of Homeland Security officials. The initiative comes in response to mounting concerns from farmers and business owners across the country, who have warned that aggressive immigration enforcement and the removal of experienced workers could cripple their operations. President Trump acknowledged these worries, stating, 'When you have someone who has been working on a farm for nine years, doing challenging labor that few are willing to undertake, and you remove all those workers, it jeopardizes the farmer's livelihood. It's a serious issue.' He emphasized that many of these workers have been employed for 10 to 20 years, have deep ties to their communities, and are integral to the nation's food supply and service industries. According to NBC News, the temporary pass would not offer a path to citizenship but would allow qualifying immigrants to remain in the country and continue working legally, provided they meet certain criteria. The administration is considering requirements such as proof of long-term employment, a clean criminal record, and employer sponsorship. Trump stressed that the plan would also ensure employers have more oversight, arguing, 'Farmers know their workers and wouldn't hire dangerous people.' The Department of Homeland Security noted that the policy aims to strike a balance between strict immigration enforcement and the economic realities facing American businesses. Earlier this month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) paused worksite arrests in agriculture and hospitality, responding to industry complaints, but soon resumed enforcement with a warning that there would be 'no safe havens' for those protecting violent offenders. Industry groups and immigrant advocates are awaiting further details, particularly regarding eligibility, duration, and worker protections. The proposal is expected to interact with existing visa programs like H-2A and H-2B, but full implementation details are still being developed. This move represents a notable recalibration of the administration's approach to immigration, as the 2026 election cycle approaches and labor shortages remain a pressing concern for key sectors.


Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Trump administration unveils ‘temporary pass' plan to protect immigrants in certain industries
In a significant policy development, the Trump administration announced it is preparing a new 'temporary pass' system designed to allow long-term immigrant workers in critical sectors such as agriculture and hospitality to remain legally employed in the United States . The announcement was made by President Trump during a Fox News interview aired on June 29, 2025, and confirmed by Department of Homeland Security officials. The initiative comes in response to mounting concerns from farmers and business owners across the country, who have warned that aggressive immigration enforcement and the removal of experienced workers could cripple their operations. President Trump acknowledged these worries, stating, 'When you have someone who has been working on a farm for nine years, doing challenging labor that few are willing to undertake, and you remove all those workers, it jeopardizes the farmer's livelihood. It's a serious issue.' He emphasized that many of these workers have been employed for 10 to 20 years, have deep ties to their communities, and are integral to the nation's food supply and service industries. According to NBC News, the temporary pass would not offer a path to citizenship but would allow qualifying immigrants to remain in the country and continue working legally, provided they meet certain criteria. The administration is considering requirements such as proof of long-term employment, a clean criminal record, and employer sponsorship. Trump stressed that the plan would also ensure employers have more oversight, arguing, 'Farmers know their workers and wouldn't hire dangerous people.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like (46만원 지원할인) 모발이식 500모 49.5만원 지원할인 모발이식 더 알아보기 Undo The Department of Homeland Security noted that the policy aims to strike a balance between strict immigration enforcement and the economic realities facing American businesses. Earlier this month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) paused worksite arrests in agriculture and hospitality, responding to industry complaints, but soon resumed enforcement with a warning that there would be 'no safe havens' for those protecting violent offenders. Industry groups and immigrant advocates are awaiting further details, particularly regarding eligibility, duration, and worker protections. The proposal is expected to interact with existing visa programs like H-2A and H-2B, but full implementation details are still being developed. Live Events This move represents a notable recalibration of the administration's approach to immigration, as the 2026 election cycle approaches and labor shortages remain a pressing concern for key sectors.


Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Migrant Farm Workers Says It Will Be ‘Chaos' Without Them
Migrant farm workers in New York have said the agriculture industry will descend into "chaos" without immigrant employees. "What happens when an experienced worker is detained or doesn't show up? It's total chaos. The farm loses time and money," Don Juan, a dairy farmworker for 16 years and member of Alianza Agrícola, a worker-led advocacy group, said in a statement shared with Newsweek. President Donald Trump has pledged to carry out the largest mass deportation effort in U.S. history as part of his aggressive immigration agenda. However, the plan has sparked concerns about its potential economic consequences. Fully implementing the policy could reduce agricultural output by $30 billion to $60 billion, according to estimates from the American Business Immigration Coalition. A shrinking labor force, particularly in industries like agriculture, would likely lead to supply shortages and increased labor costs, which could ultimately drive up prices for consumers. According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, undocumented New Yorkers contributed precisely $3.1 billion in state and local taxes that year. "We pay taxes like any other worker. All we're asking for is respect, recognition, and for people to understand that farm owners aren't the only producers-we, the workers, also ensure that there is fresh food on your table," Luis Jiménez, a farmworker with over two decades of experience and a member of Alianza Agrícola said. "We work 365 days a year, 24/7. If we weren't here, the cows would get sick and farms would shut down," Lázaro Álvarez, a member of the Workers' Center of Central New York and Alianza Agrícola, who has worked on a farm for over a decade, said. Recalling a recent incident on the ranch, Lázaro described how a coworker from Guatemala was rushed by ambulance to a hospital in Rochester, New York, after being kicked and trampled by a cow. "I don't have health insurance, and if I need medical attention, whether emergency or routine, I have to pay for it myself, just like any of my coworkers," he said. Farmers are calling for an expansion of the H-2B visa program. The H-2B visa is a temporary, nonimmigrant visa that permits U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for seasonal or short-term nonagricultural jobs when there is a shortage of American workers. The president's mass deportation policy could incur a one-time cost of $315 billion, according to the American Immigration Council. Meanwhile, removing 1 million migrants without legal status annually could lead to yearly expenses of up to $88 billion. Business leaders are advocating for a more balanced approach that supports businesses while preserving the essential workforce crucial to their survival. An estimated 40 percent of crop farmworkers in the U.S. are undocumented, according to the Department of Agriculture. The Migration Policy Institute estimates that approximately 11.3 million undocumented immigrants reside in New York. Javier, another farmworker and member of Alianza Agrícola with five years of experience, said in a statement: "I see myself as part of the is just a way to intimidate and abuse people who are working hard for their families and for this country. That's why it's so important that this persecution stops." Jesús Mendoza, a farmworker for six years and a member of Alianza Agrícola, said in a statement: "All we're asking for is respect, for our work to be acknowledged, because for a long time it has been invisible. We are there in the shadows." President Donald Trump said at a Cabinet meeting in April: "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." Related Articles Florida Proposes Turning Former POW Camp Into Migrant Detention CenterDonald Trump Makes New Supreme Court Request Over DeportationsICE Detainee on Hunger Strike Could Be Force-FedMan in Green Card Process Detained by ICE at Grand Canyon-Boyfriend 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.