Workplace Raids Are Coming: A Strategy for a Deportation-Proof Workforce

The political landscape is shifting, and with it comes renewed attention on immigration enforcement. As the incoming administration intensifies efforts to curb illegal immigration, businesses reliant on migrant labor must prepare for heightened scrutiny. With the appointment of Tom Homan, former ICE director under President Trump, as the new border czar, workplace raids are expected to return in full force.

During his previous tenure, Homan oversaw some of the most significant workplace raids in recent U.S. history:

• Bean Station, Tennessee (2018): Immigration agents arrested 104 workers at a meat processing plant, marking the largest worksite raid in a decade.

• Sandusky, Ohio (2018): A large-scale nursery saw 114 workers detained.

• Mississippi Poultry Plants (2019): Over 680 workers were arrested across six towns in a single day.

These raids disrupted communities, devastated workforces, and left businesses grappling with compliance challenges. With Homan’s return, a similar approach is anticipated, particularly targeting industries like food processing, agriculture, and construction.

Upcoming Immigration Policy Changes

Beyond workplace raids, several policy changes are expected to impact businesses employing migrants:

1. Non-Renewal of Temporary Protected Status (TPS): TPS programs for countries like El Salvador, Venezuela, and Haiti may not be renewed, jeopardizing the legal status of many workers.

2. Increased Denials of Asylum Applications: More funding for immigration judges may lead to faster processing but also higher denial rates for asylum seekers.

3. Reduction in Humanitarian Parole Programs: Programs that allow migrants to enter the U.S. on humanitarian grounds may face cuts.

These changes will likely create additional challenges for businesses relying on migrant labor. However, there are strategies to ensure compliance and maintain a stable, legal workforce.

Strategies for a Deportation-Proof Workforce

1. Take Ownership of Compliance Processes

• E-Verify: While a good starting point, E-Verify alone is not enough. Train HR and hiring managers to spot fraudulent documents and implement the latest compliance practices provided by USCIS and the Department of Labor.

• Mock Audits: Regularly audit your hiring processes to identify and address vulnerabilities before they lead to penalties.

2. Hold Staffing Providers Accountable

• Ensure that third-party staffing agencies enforce strict compliance standards, including mandatory E-Verify checks.

• Demand training for their staff on document verification and conduct surprise audits to verify compliance.

3. Prioritize Migrants with Pathways to Permanent Residency

• Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA): Cubans in the U.S. can fast-track their path to citizenship after one year. Workers under this program represent a stable, long-term labor source.

• Asylees and Long-Term Visa Holders: Focus on hiring individuals with asylum status or TN visas, which offer legal, long-term work authorization.

4. Leverage Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)

• EADs issued by USCIS are highly secure and nearly impossible to counterfeit, making them a reliable option for verifying work eligibility.

5. Implement a Domestic Mobility Program

• Recruit migrants from outside your local area who possess long-term legal status. While this approach may require upfront investments in housing and transportation, it yields significant benefits:

• Higher Retention Rates: Migrant workers who relocate for jobs tend to stay longer and are less likely to job-hop or be poached by competitors.

• Deportation-Proof Workforce: Targeting legally authorized workers ensures compliance and workforce stability.

Migrants: Resilient, Reliable, and Ready to Build Their Futures

Migrants bring resilience, dedication, and a commitment to personal growth. They often view employment as a critical step toward establishing their lives in the U.S., making them highly engaged and dependable employees. Businesses that develop targeted strategies to attract and retain migrant workers can enjoy:

• Fully staffed operations.
• Impressive retention rates.
• Enhanced employee engagement and productivity.

TalentMovers: Your Partner in Building a Deportation-Proof Workforce

At TalentMovers, we specialize in domestic mobility programs designed to connect businesses with legal, dedicated migrant workers. We’ve staffed tens of thousands of legal migrants for companies across the U.S., ensuring compliance and workforce stability.

By partnering with us, your business can thrive even in a challenging regulatory environment. Let us help you secure a reliable, deportation-proof workforce that meets your labor needs and sets the foundation for long-term success.

 

References
1. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: Worksite Enforcement Overview
2. Pew Research Center: Unauthorized Immigrants in the U.S. Workforce
3. Migration Policy Institute: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Programs
4. Department of Homeland Security: Employment Authorization Document Details
5. Time Magazine: Trump’s Return to Mass Deportation Raids

About the Author
Ariel Díaz Rios is the CEO and Founder of TalentMovers, a leading expert on the Hispanic labor market, and a member of the Forbes HR Council. With over 15 years of experience in staffing and recruiting, Ariel is committed to helping businesses build resilient workforces and supporting migrants in finding meaningful employment opportunities in the U.S.