Industry Groups Press Trump Over 1.3 Million Workers as Crackdown Deepens Labor Shortages
Updated
Updated · CNN · Aug 8
Industry Groups Press Trump Over 1.3 Million Workers as Crackdown Deepens Labor Shortages
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Aug 8
Summary
Construction, agriculture and other industry groups are lobbying the White House and multiple agencies, saying the immigration crackdown is worsening labor shortages and undercutting Trump’s economic goals.
The pressure intensified after the administration moved to end deportation protections for 1.3 million people who had been legally working in the US and expanded enforcement against TPS holders and other migrants.
Homebuilders say the clash is especially acute: the residential construction industry is short 200,000 to 400,000 workers, and foreign-born labor made up more than a quarter of the workforce in 2024.
Inside the administration, the push has fueled disputes over worksite enforcement, while Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin faces backlash from MAGA hardliners after suggesting visa changes to ease shortages.
Republicans are also split on fixes, with some lawmakers seeking changes to farm-worker visa programs as agriculture and dairy warn that labor losses could hit food supply and consumer prices.