In Suwanee, Georgia, Lisa Winton of Winton Machine Company struggles to find skilled machinists due to restrictions on hiring undocumented immigrants. She is part of a group urging the Biden administration to provide work permits to long-term undocumented residents. The American Business Immigration Coalition, along with employers, lawmakers, and advocates, is pushing for executive action to address labor shortages through immigration reform. Trump’s threat of mass deportations adds urgency to the coalition’s plea, as employers are concerned about the impact on their businesses.
There are about 7.8 million unauthorized immigrants in the labor force, making up nearly 5% of the workforce. Many industries, such as agriculture, construction, and dairy farming, rely on undocumented workers to fill job openings. While some immigrants have obtained work permits through existing programs, like DACA or asylum-seeking, there is a call to expand work authorization to more long-term immigrants to meet employers’ needs and bring stability to the workforce. The current administration is considering providing work permits to undocumented spouses of citizens and residents, as well as other immigrants who have been in the US for years.
The majority of unauthorized immigrants entered the US before 2010, highlighting the need for work permits to provide them with better job opportunities and increase tax revenue. While employers and immigrants support expanding work authorization, there are concerns that it may impact American workers who have dropped out of the labor force. Trump’s campaign promises to conduct mass deportations if reelected, adding to uncertainty in the immigrant workforce and potential consequences for businesses that rely on their labor.
During Trump’s first term, there were increased enforcement actions on immigration, impacting businesses that depend on immigrant labor. The unpredictability of enforcement activities led to challenges for industries like dairy farming in finding workers. Advocates are working to ensure that immigrants can work legally to avoid disruptions to industries and communities where they contribute. The debate around work permits for undocumented immigrants underscores the complex issues surrounding immigration policy and its impact on businesses, workers, and communities across the country.
With the upcoming election adding pressure to immigration policy discussions, stakeholders are advocating for solutions that address labor shortages, protect immigrant workers, and support businesses that rely on their labor. The push for expanded work permits for long-term undocumented residents aims to provide stability and opportunities for both workers and employers, while also raising important questions about the impact on the overall labor market, economy, and communities affected by changes in immigration policy. As the debate continues, the future of work authorization for undocumented immigrants remains uncertain, with potential consequences for various industries and the broader workforce.
