‘We Can’t Do Without Them’: U.S. Businesses Alarmed as Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Threatens Workforce

As former President Donald Trump intensifies his push for a sweeping immigration crackdown, American businesses are raising red flags, warning that the policy shift could leave critical gaps in the U.S. workforce and threaten economic stability.

From health care providers in Texas to cleaning companies in Maryland, employers say they are already seeing the fallout of immigration restrictions, particularly the removal of temporary protections for workers from countries like Venezuela and Nicaragua. The ripple effects are causing concern that entire industries could soon face debilitating labor shortages.

Victor Moran, CEO of Maryland-based cleaning firm Total Quality, says about 15 employees have recently left his company, fearing deportation after their protected status was revoked. With hundreds more workers potentially affected if protections for other nationalities are lifted, Moran is worried. “These people are hard-working and vital to our operations. Replacing them isn’t easy,” he said.

The anxiety is widespread. Nearly 20% of the U.S. workforce in 2023 was foreign-born – an all-time high, according to census data. While Trump’s deportation plans focus on undocumented immigrants, employers say the broader climate of fear, policy uncertainty, and work permit rollbacks are pushing many legal workers out of the labor force or into hiding.

Justino Gomez, 73, has lived in the U.S. for over 30 years and currently works as a cleaner in Maryland under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. But with TPS already revoked for some countries, he fears El Salvador – his home country – may be next. “Every time I leave home, I worry ICE will be waiting,” Gomez said via a translator.

The Trump administration’s plans go beyond mass deportations. Efforts include revoking work permits, halting refugee admissions, and targeting immigrants on student visas. Raids at workplaces – suspended under President Biden – have resumed, raising fresh alarm among employers who rely heavily on immigrant labor.

At Cambridge Caregivers in Texas, which provides assisted living and home care, CEO Adam Lampert says immigrants make up about 80% of his workforce. “It’s the immigrants who are answering the call,” Lampert said, noting that recent policy changes have already led to staff losses.

He’s particularly concerned about the knock-on effects. If undocumented caregivers – often hired privately by families – are forced out of work, the demand for legally authorized caregivers will surge, driving up wages and, ultimately, care costs. “We’re staring at significant inflation if we wipe out this portion of the workforce,” he warned.

Economists echo those concerns. Giovanni Peri of the University of California, Davis, says immigrant labor has been essential to U.S. economic growth and productivity. “If these policies persist, we could see the U.S. economy become less dynamic, similar to countries like Japan that have restricted immigration,” he said.

The homebuilding industry is already seeing signs of strain. Construction crews are failing to show up, and the National Association of Homebuilders says ongoing shortages will slow projects and drive up housing costs. “We need immigration reform, including a visa program for construction workers,” said NAHB President Jim Tobin. “But right now, the focus is entirely on enforcement.”

At Harris Health System in Texas, which serves one of the country’s most diverse populations, CEO Esmail Porsa said staff losses are mounting. “Training local workers will take years, and demand is growing now,” he said. “This is a crisis in the making.”

While Trump has reportedly paused some enforcement actions in industries like agriculture and hospitality – facing pressure even from within his party – federal officials say workplace raids remain central to their strategy.

Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, told the BBC that “enforcement is a cornerstone of our efforts,” despite the controversy.

Still, many business owners are left wondering how they’ll survive if immigration restrictions continue to tighten. “You can’t just remove these people and expect the economy to function,” said Lampert. “They’re not just filling jobs – they’re keeping entire industries running.”

As Trump doubles down on his immigration agenda, the stakes are growing clearer: it’s not just a political issue – it’s an economic one.