Former President Donald Trump has suggested a plan that would allow undocumented immigrants working in farming and hospitality to return to the U.S. legally—if their employers support them.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump said farmers and hotel owners could write letters on behalf of undocumented workers, praising their work and asking for them to be allowed to come back legally after leaving the country.
“We have to take care of our farmers, hotels, and other industries that rely on these workers,” Trump said. “If a farmer says someone’s doing a great job, we’ll slow things down for them, let them leave, and then bring them back legally.”
It’s unclear what Trump meant by “slow it down,” especially as his administration continues pushing for mass deportations. He added that workers who leave “in a nice way” would be allowed to return legally within about 60 days.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai said the administration remains focused on border security, enforcing immigration laws, and putting “America First.”
Trump also signaled interest in improving existing visa programs like H-2A (for farm work) and H-2B (for seasonal non-agricultural jobs, such as hotel work), which are often criticized for being difficult to navigate and lacking protections for workers. Trump’s own businesses have used H-2B visas in the past.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that about 40% of crop workers are undocumented. According to the American Immigration Council, around 1.1 million undocumented workers were employed in hospitality jobs in 2023—roughly 7.6% of that workforce.
Meanwhile, immigration enforcement continues. Recently, the U.S. deported nearly 300 individuals, mainly Venezuelans, to a prison in El Salvador. Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1789 to justify the deportations, claiming some had gang ties—an accusation families of the deported dispute.
Immigration arrests have been happening across the country, even during school drop-offs and workplace check-ins. Business owners are pushing back, saying the economy depends on immigrant workers.
Earlier this year, business leaders gathered in Washington as part of the “Secure the Workforce” campaign, urging lawmakers to pass reforms that allow immigrant workers to stay and work legally.
Attorney Artemio Muniz, a campaign supporter, said the group backs Trump’s border efforts but wants legal options for current undocumented workers. “We can’t afford to lose them,” he said. “I respect that Trump is willing to start the conversation.”
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