Businesses that helped power the president’s economic agenda are now raising alarms, warning that tougher immigration enforcement could leave critical jobs unfilled.

Industries ranging from construction to agriculture are voicing concerns about the Donald Trump administration’s immigration policies, arguing that they could undermine the president’s economic agenda and harm the economy. These concerns are being expressed by several groups that believe changes to immigration policy will affect businesses and employment.

Labor shortages remain a long-term problem for many industries. However, industry representatives say that the recent decision to end deportation protections for 1.3 million people who had previously been legally authorized to work in the United States, along with the nationwide intensification of immigration enforcement, is making the situation worse.

These groups, which typically support other parts of Trump’s economic agenda, are raising immigration-related concerns with the government, including the departments of Homeland Security, Labor, and Agriculture, as well as the White House.

Within the administration, disagreements have emerged between industry interests and immigration enforcement officials over how to advance other forms of enforcement, particularly at workplaces; three sources familiar with the discussions described the situation as “noticeably chaotic” because of the influence of lobbyists.

At the center of this imbalance is Markwayne Mullin, who heads the Department of Homeland Security and is already facing criticism for allegedly taking a soft approach to immigration.

Economic Risks and Industry Response

Industries point out that labor shortages in construction, agriculture, and caregiving are constraining production capacity. For example, in 2024, foreign-born workers made up more than a quarter of the construction workforce, and their share was even higher in some occupations, affecting construction costs and timelines.

Most groups believe a balanced policy is needed – one that combines tougher action against employers with continued reliable access to legal labor and plans for the future.

An illegal workforce only increases illegal activity. It does not develop the economy over the long term. It is a short-term solution, but it will lead to long-term problems.

– Markwayne Mullin

I am so angry with Markwayne Mullin.

– Laura Loomer

It was clearly stated that they would do this.

– Tom Homan

The most important thing for the dairy industry is that cows have to be milked 365 days a year and through multiple shifts during the day. If the workers disappear, the cows will still need to be milked. There must be a way to move the milk. There are both animal welfare and economic issues.

– Trey Forsyth

According to industry experts, the administration’s latest immigration enforcement measures are affecting various sectors, particularly residential construction and farming, where labor shortages are slowing growth and affecting housing costs and the availability of services.

According to experts, the government is discussing these issues with relevant agencies and stakeholders in an effort to find ways to preserve the production chain and minimize disruptions to business operations.

The intensification of immigration enforcement, particularly against people with temporary TPS protection, points to an unprecedented impact on employers seeking ways to stabilize production and ensure the uninterrupted operation of their workforce.

In the current context, economic risks remain a subject of discussion between the authorities and the business community, while industries await clear guidance from the government on future access to legal labor and related regulatory decisions.