Former U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed he’s working on a proposal to grant temporary legal status to undocumented immigrants employed in critical sectors such as farming and hospitality. In an interview with Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Trump said the idea is to help employers keep their most trusted workers while ensuring those immigrants contribute through taxes.
He explained that many of these workers have served on farms or in hotels for over a decade and are essential to keeping operations running. Trump described current immigration enforcement as disruptive, often stripping businesses of their most experienced hands. He emphasized that farmers know the people they hire and aren’t bringing in dangerous individuals, noting, “The farmer knows. He’s not going to hire a murderer.”
Trump’s comments come after a brief pause in worksite immigration raids earlier this month by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That pause, however, was quickly lifted, and enforcement resumed. Many employers, especially in agriculture and hospitality, have expressed concerns over losing workers they say are irreplaceable.
While the Department of Homeland Security reaffirmed its strict stance, warning that no safe harbor will be given to businesses protecting undocumented immigrants, Trump’s proposal points to a more flexible approach for specific industries.
He also mentioned on Truth Social that both farmers and hotel owners have pleaded with him to reconsider immigration crackdowns that were stripping them of dependable workers. In April, Trump floated another idea—letting undocumented workers leave the U.S. and return legally through existing visa programs. He has also shown interest in expanding H-2A and H-2B visas, which allow employers to temporarily bring in foreign labor.
Although no official policy has been released, Trump’s remarks suggest he may be open to reform that considers the economic role undocumented immigrants play, especially in industries where finding replacements isn’t easy. Employers and workers alike are now waiting to see if his comments will lead to actual changes in immigration rules.
