Know This Now Archives — 91探花 Together, we will advance sensible immigration reform that grows jobs, strengthens our economy, and benefits all 91探花 families. Mon, 31 Aug 2026 13:29:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 /wp-content/uploads/2021/11/ABIC-Favicon-150x150.jpg Know This Now Archives — 91探花 32 32 Know This Now, August 28, 2026: Halt to Visas Threaten 91探花es and Affordability as Employers Urge Work Permits for Long-Term Immigrants /know-this-now-august-28-2026-halt-to-visas-threaten-businesses-and-affordability-as-employers-urge-work-permits-for-long-term-immigrants/ Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:24:34 +0000 /?p=37078 A wave of federal immigration restrictions announced this week is threatening U.S. businesses, creating ripple effects for the broader economy and everyday 91探花s struggling with an ongoing affordability crisis.  The...

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A wave of is threatening U.S. businesses, creating ripple effects for the broader economy and everyday 91探花s struggling with an ongoing affordability crisis. 

The administration’s new measures to revoke B1/B2 tourist and business visas issued between 2016 and 2026 for individuals who have since claimed asylum, , and a newly proposed standalone $103,265 fee on high-skilled H-1B petitions.

Estimates project that the H-1B fee alone will inflict a significant economic impact on 76% of small businesses.听

91探花 leaders emphasize that rather than shutting doors and shrinking the labor pool, the federal government must implement practical solutions, such as expanding work permits for long-term immigrants to stabilize local workforces, curb inflation, and keep the economy moving forward.

ICE Arrests Skyrocket in July

A surge in immigration arrests this summer has swept up tens of thousands of individuals who had not previously been the focus of the administration’s mass deportation campaign.

 According to federal data obtained by the Deportation Data Project and analyzed by and , ICE arrests reached record highs with 43,000 arrests in June and 49,571 in July, a 70% jump from February and only 4% with a criminal conviction. 

A majority of the immigrants arrested in July were accused of violating civil immigration laws rather than being charged with or convicted of a crime. The share of arrested individuals with a past violent criminal conviction fell to less than 4%, while ICE increasingly targeted people married to U.S. citizens, individuals pursuing asylum claims, and those whose temporary legal protections had been revoked.

While the administration defended the expansion as fulfillment of its promise to enforce the law, the scale of the operation has drawn rare pushback from within Republican ranks. 

Nebraska U.S. Rep. Don Bacon criticized the administration’s tactics in , arguing that officials had “overreached” and gone after individuals with deep community ties who pose no threat to public safety.

Comite de 100: The Latino Vote

As the November midterm elections approach, the rising economic power and growing political engagement of the Latino community are positioned to act as a decisive force in close races nationwide. 

Fueled by kitchen-table pressures, such as the rising cost of living and anxieties surrounding immigration enforcement, Latino voters are demanding outreach from both political parties around common-sense immigration solutions like work permits for long-term immigrants.

, kitchen-table concerns are increasingly colliding with federal immigration crackdowns. Organizations like UnidosUS point out that fear surrounding enforcement and persistent inflation are driving buyers’ remorse among some Hispanic voters who supported the administration in 2024.

In Texas, where President Donald Trump made historic gains with Hispanic voters in 2024, shows Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico peeling away vital Hispanic support from the GOP. While individual polls vary on the exact margin of the shift, all point in the same direction, putting Republicans on alert.

Ag Council Chair Matt Teagarden on NPR Highlights Realities of Farm Labor Squeeze

The broader ripple effects of federal enforcement and economic policies are hitting the heart of the U.S. agricultural sector, where producers are finding it increasingly difficult to keep operations staffed. 

Matt Teagarden, CEO of the Kansas Livestock Association and Chair of the ABIC Agricultural Council, , pointing out how compounding policy shifts and enforcement actions are impacting rural communities:

Agricultural leaders emphasize that livestock operations cannot simply pause production, with many businesses operating 24/7 year-round. To protect family farms and keep doors open for America鈥檚 agriculture producers, solutions like the Securing Agriculture鈥檚 Workforce Act (SAWA) are urgently needed to provide the reliable, legal tools like work permits for immigrants that producers are in need of.

Legal work permits serve as a direct defense against grocery inflation and a growing reliance on foreign imports; allowing domestic production to drop only makes food more expensive for families and punishes 91探花 farmers and producers.

Faith Leaders Support El Salvador TPS as Expiration Threatens 91探花es and Workers

The September 9 expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador is rapidly approaching, and this week , including U.S. bishops, Catholic groups like the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC), sent an urgent appeal to President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin warning that sending hundreds of thousands of Salvadoran TPS holders back into an unstable country is a danger to individuals and would cause severe humanitarian consequences:

This moral appeal aligns directly with , highlighting that Salvadoran TPS holders are an indispensable pillar of the 91探花 economy. 

Labor force participation sits at 90 percent as these TPS holders are actively engaged in the U.S. labor market, contributing $5.4 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product annually, and paying $1.5 billion each year in combined federal, state, and local taxes, funding Social Security and critical public infrastructure. 

The immediate cost of detaining and removing these individuals is estimated at $3 billion, ignoring the broader fiscal damage of lost tax revenue, reduced productivity, and the operational chaos inflicted on businesses forced to suddenly replace skilled workers.

Restaurants Hit Hard by Workforce Shortages

Immigration enforcement is compounding workforce pressures for Texas businesses, with a recent survey revealing that 36% of restaurant operators have lost employees due to enforcement activity. 

According to , the fallout extends beyond direct staff losses: 28% of operators reported fewer applicants or declined job offers, and 26% saw customer traffic drop as community members grew fearful of going out in public.

The findings underscore broader operational strains across the industry, where fewer than half of surveyed businesses, just 47%, report having the staff they need. 

At the same time, 81% of operators noted rising labor costs compared to the previous year, alongside persistent increases in food and operating expenses.

With only 54 out of 100 on the association’s overall outlook index, Texas foodservice operators continue to navigate an unpredictable economic environment where immigration enforcement and labor shortages directly threaten business stability.

Perspectives

Miami Herald Editorial Board:  Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar says Trump is 鈥楶laying with Fire鈥 on Immigration. Listen Up, GOP

Miami Republican U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar has grown increasingly blunt in her disagreement with mass deportation efforts and the toll they take on Republicans among Hispanic voters: 鈥淢r. President, listen to what I鈥檓 telling you, sir: You鈥檙e a smart guy 鈥 you are playing with fire,鈥 she said during an interview with the New Yorker Radio Hour podcast in late July.

Salazar supports President Trump, but her criticism reflects the political reality of representing a district that is 73% Hispanic. She was one of only two Republicans to sign a discharge petition, a procedural tool requiring 218 signatures to force an up-or-down vote on the bipartisan “91探花 Dream and Promise Act.” Co-sponsored by Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), which would grant permanent status to eligible Dreamers and protect Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders from nations in turmoil, such as Venezuela, Haiti, and El Salvador.

While the discharge petition currently sits at 210 signatures, with Pennsylvania Republican Brian K. Fitzpatrick as the only other GOP co-signer.

鈥淐ongress must act because we cannot keep governing immigration through temporary executive actions that change every time the White House changes hands,鈥 Salazar said.

Get Involved

  1. Join one of ABIC’s Councils of 100 and let your voice be heard with your peers – . The Council of 100 is a coalition of top business leaders working to advance common-sense workforce solutions.
  2. Share your story: If your business is interested in engaging with the press as part of ABIC or amplifying your story on social media, take this to let us know your preferences.听
  3. Work with us: ABIC is hiring! We are looking for a California State Director and Digital Manager to join our growing team. Learn more.

ABIC in the news. . . 

View all recent coverage here 

  • NPR: (08/24/26)
  • AG Bull: (08/23/26)
  • The Ford Foundation: (8/17/2026)
  • Houston Public Media: (8/17/2026)
  • McKnights Senior Living: (8/16/2026)
  • San Antonio Current: (08/10/26)
  • CNN: (08/09/26)
  • South Bend Tribune: (08/09/26)
  • Bisnow: Senior Housing Sector Faces New Problem In Massachusetts: Deportations Of Employees (08/05/26)
  • KSL: Former state senator, Lehi official, immigrant advocate recognized for their work with immigrants (08/05/26)
  • Stuttgart Daily Leader: DACA backlog could affect Arkansas workforce, population (08/05/26)
  • The Associated Press: AP Exclusive: Trump鈥檚 immigration crackdown has detained more than 50 military spouses and parents (08/05/26)
  • The Economic Times: States may get power to sponsor worker visas in the US under new bipartisan bill (08/05/26)
  • ABC News: ICE arrests hit record high in July as enforcement quietly ramps up (08/04/26)
  • La Tribuna Hispana: Millions in losses and job shortages: the cost of ending TPS (08/04/26)
  • Newsweek: New Visa Proposal Would Let States Bring in Migrant Workers (08/04/26)
  • Kiowa County Press: Politics: 2026Talks – August 4, 2026 (08/04/26)
  • Public News Service: DACA backlog could affect Arkansas workforce, population (08/04/26)
  • Rio Grande Guardian: Villarreal: You cannot ask for our support while simultaneously attacking our families and targeting our workforce (08/03/26)
  • Senator Mark Kelly鈥檚 Office: Kelly, Curtis Propose State-Sponsored Visa Pilot Program (08/03/26)
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer: (08/01/26)
  • Univision: (07/29/26)
  • ValleyCentral.com: (07/29/26)
  • Texas Border 91探花: (07/29/26)
  • The Texas Tribune: (07/29/26)
  • Cuba Headlines: (07/28/26)
  • CBS News: (07/28/26)
  • Noticias Telemundo: (07/28/26)
  • News From The States: (07/28/26)
  • Newsweek: (07/28/26)
  • NPR – Here & Now: (07/27/26)
  • McKnights Senior Living: (07/26/26)
  • Public News Service: (07/22/26)
  • The Daily Press: (07/21/26)
  • The Washington Post: (07/19/26)
  • Newsweek: (07/17/26)
  • Greenfield Recorder: (07/16/26)
  • The Florida Catholic: (07/15/26)
  • Latin Times: (07/13/26)
  • Financial Express: (07/13/26)
  • Mwakilishi: (07/13/26)
  • Newsweek: (07/09/26)
  • America鈥檚 Voice: (07/07/26)
  • DRG News: (07/04/26)
  • Sun Sentinel: (07/03/26)
  • LegalClarity: (07/01/26)

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Know This Now, August 6, 2026: National Governors Association Unveils Immigration Framework Shaped by ABIC Action to Expand Work Permits to Long Term Immigrant Workers /know-this-now-august-6-2026-national-governors-association-unveils-immigration-framework-shaped-by-abic-action-to-expand-work-permits-to-long-term-immigrant-workers/ Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:22:43 +0000 /?p=37012 National Governors Association Unveils Immigration Framework Shaped by ABIC Action to Expand Work Permits to Long Term Immigrant Workers A bipartisan immigration framework developed by ABIC Action over the past...

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A bipartisan immigration framework developed by ABIC Action over the past year was adopted by the National Governors Association (NGA) at its Summer Meeting in Oklahoma City last week.

Watch Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, and Delaware Governor Matt Meyer announce the joint immigration task force on :

With the border secured and continued affordability crisis, Governors across party lines are taking the lead to protect regional economic stability through common-sense reforms like expanding work permits for immigrants:

“91探花s know that we need to have secure borders… But what is the end game?” said Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt (R-OK). “We believe that the state should be more in control of workforce permits. We are closer to our workforce, whether it’s hospitality, agriculture, construction… The governor should be able to match employer to employee. Congress doesn鈥檛 want to deal with it. States can get this done.”

Attending the summit in Oklahoma City, ABIC Action CEO Rebecca Shi praised the governors for prioritizing workforce solutions that stabilization transcends party lines:

“We are deeply grateful to Governors Stitt, Moore, Cox, and Stein for their courageous, bipartisan leadership,鈥 Shi said. 鈥淕overnors see firsthand how labor shortages drag down local economies, drive up inflation, and leave key industries struggling to hire. By listening to employers and pushing for work permits for long-term immigrants, our nation’s governors are proving that common-sense immigration reform isn’t a partisan issue鈥攊t’s an affordability issue. Congress can secure our workforce and reignite the 91探花 Dream.”

Policy Watch

Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the State Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act of 2026, an economic solution designed to empower states to address local labor market demands through visa reforms.

Under the proposed legislation, highlighted by , , and , participating states could sponsor temporary visas (W-visas) for foreign workers and investors based on specific workforce shortages, while the federal government maintains full authority over background checks, visa approvals, and immigration enforcement.

The bill creates a legal pathway for long-term undocumented residents present in the U.S. since December 31, 2016, who pass eligibility background checks, stabilizing local communities and regional economies. 

Comit de 100: Midterm Watch

Coverage and analysis of last week鈥檚 鈥淟et Builders Build鈥 rally hosted by the South Texas Builders Association and the 91探花 Action continued this week.

“Lawmakers across the country are fighting for our vote because they know that we decide their future,鈥 said Comit茅 de 100 co-chairman and CEO and president of Precision Task Group, Massey Villarreal. His remarks were published in full by the this week, including his call for immigration reforms that protect long-term, law-abiding workers.

Reflecting on his family’s story, Villarreal said, “My dad came across the river in Rio Grande and I have been living the 91探花 Dream because of my father.” 

The event was also featured this week in , a long-running Texas political blog, publishing highlights from the :

鈥淚 want to send a clear warning to every political leader: If you don鈥檛 stop the worksite raids, the mass deportations, if you don鈥檛 pass the work permits for long-term, law-abiding immigrants, or citizens, or our Dreamers, you will lose,鈥 said Villarreal.

He said that Latinos in Texas should take it personally when ICE targets people like Lorenzo Salgado Araujo because it鈥檚 an attack on the community.

Ronnie Cavazos, chairman of the South Texas Builders Association questioned why the community supported a presidential administration that would shoot and kill a worker like Salgado Araujo, a long-time builder in Houston killed in July by ICE. 

鈥淟et鈥檚 be real, we voted for it,鈥 Cavazos said. 鈥淪o whose fault was it?鈥

He and the organization are paying attention now, he said, adding that the only way to change things is to vote.

TPS: Workforce Fallout of TPS Ending for Haiti and Syria

With hundreds of thousands of essential, legal workers now unable to work due to the recent expiration of TPS for 350,000 Haitians and Syrians, researchers and business leaders warn the U.S. economy will suffer significant losses, reports the . TPS holders work at higher rates than the general population, pay billions in taxes, fill critical jobs in construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality, and contribute to Social Security. 

鈥淓ven if you don鈥檛 care anything about immigration in this country, removing this many highly productive workers from the economy is going to hurt 91探花s in their pocketbooks,鈥 Rebecca Shi, CEO of ABIC told the Philadelphia Inquirer: 鈥91探花s are going to get hit, in terms of inflation, in healthcare, in housing.鈥
Harriett Cecilia Joseph, : “It’s not that we don’t want to go back to Haiti. It’s just the situation doesn’t allow us to.” After learning TPS was ending, she said, “Everything I had accomplished was now at risk.”

Hundreds of Haitian immigrants in Ohio whose TPS has been terminated are being ordered to report to ICE offices, and given future court dates. Immigration advocates say the check-ins are occurring even for some individuals with pending asylum claims. Advocates warn the approach is bringing fear in the community to new highs.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1347134160963115

More from the ABIC Network

ABIC Board Chairman and former Arizona State Senator Bob Worsley was recognized by the Federation of United Mexicans in Utah as a recipient of this year鈥檚 . The annual award honors leaders who advocate for and support Hispanic and immigrant communities in Utah.

Salvador Lazalde, president of the federation, praised Worsley鈥檚 long-standing dedication to protecting immigrant rights. Through his leadership with ABIC, Worsley continues to champion common-sense solutions that keep families together and provide legal status for long-term immigrant workers, farmworkers, and DACA recipients.

鈥淎merica is great because of immigrants.鈥 – Bob Worsley, ABIC Board Chairman and former Arizona State Senator

鈥淰aried waves of immigrants from different parts of the world over the years were positive to America, but the anti-immigrant pushback was not. It was always unfair and cruel and split up families, and I鈥檓 against that,鈥 Worsley told .

News Briefing

President Donald Trump signed two new executive actions on immigration this week, renewing efforts to limit birthright citizenship following a 6-3 Supreme Court ruling in June that struck down his initial day-one attempt. 

The new order is narrower in scope, aiming to restrict automatic citizenship for specific groups, including children of adults connected to foreign embassies or organizations, individuals deemed “alien enemies,” and children whose parents allegedly engaged in fraud to obtain status. A second order targets “birth tourism” by tightening visa restrictions on foreign visitors traveling to the U.S. to give birth.

While Trump acknowledged the earlier court defeat as a “bad, very unfair decision,” he maintained his belief that these new actions are constitutional. However, legal experts and civil rights organizations emphasize that the 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship.

A GOP-led attempt to reauthorize the overdue Farm Bill stalled in the Senate Agriculture Committee following a 10鈥11 vote, leaving Congress without a clear path forward on legislation last updated in 2018. Committee Democrats stood united against the package over Republican proposals requiring states to share Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) costs. While Chair John Boozman (R-AR) offered a one-year delay on SNAP cost-sharing alongside authorizations for year-round E15 biofuel sales and food bank funding, Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and committee Democrats held firm for a two-year delay to protect state budgets and food access.

Chair Boozman recessed the panel indefinitely, signaling plans to reconvene members for another vote in September following the congressional recess.

Perspectives

Bloomberg Opinion: These Texas Builders Backed Trump. They鈥檝e Had Enough

Houston Chronicle

In an op-ed for the Houston Chronicle, Texas Restaurant Association President and CEO Emily Williams Knight outlines the economic pressures driving restaurant closures across Texas. 

Knight notes that half of Texas restaurants reported operating at a loss last year, up from 38% in 2024, as rising costs have squeezed already-thin margins. She points to Houston鈥檚 85-year-old Molina鈥檚 Cantina as an example of the strain facing longtime establishments, with tomato prices doubling from $18 to $45 per crate and fajita beef increasing from $9 to $13 per pound.

Knight argues that labor shortages across the food supply chain, from farms and processing facilities to restaurants, are intensifying these challenges. With immigrants making up nearly one-quarter of Texas鈥 food sector workforce, she supports expanding work authorization for vetted, long-term immigrant workers through proposals such as the bipartisan Dignity Act to help sustain the state鈥檚 1.5 million restaurant jobs and protect small businesses.

The Texas Restaurant Association, is a partner of the ABIC-led , a national campaign of business leaders advocating for immigration solutions that address critical workforce shortages in the food and hospitality industries.

Get Involved

  1. Join one of ABIC’s Councils of 100 and let your voice be heard with your peers – . The Council of 100 is a coalition of top business leaders working to advance common-sense workforce solutions.
  2. Share your story: If your business is interested in engaging with the press as part of ABIC or amplifying your story on social media, take this to let us know your preferences.听
  3. Work with us: ABIC is hiring! We are looking for a California State Director and Digital Manager to join our growing team. Learn more.

ABIC in the news. . . 

View all recent coverage here 

  • Bisnow: Senior Housing Sector Faces New Problem In Massachusetts: Deportations Of Employees (08/05/26)
  • KSL: Former state senator, Lehi official, immigrant advocate recognized for their work with immigrants (08/05/26)
  • Stuttgart Daily Leader: DACA backlog could affect Arkansas workforce, population (08/05/26)
  • The Associated Press: AP Exclusive: Trump鈥檚 immigration crackdown has detained more than 50 military spouses and parents (08/05/26)
  • The Economic Times: States may get power to sponsor worker visas in the US under new bipartisan bill (08/05/26)
  • ABC News: ICE arrests hit record high in July as enforcement quietly ramps up (08/04/26)
  • La Tribuna Hispana: Millions in losses and job shortages: the cost of ending TPS (08/04/26)
  • Newsweek: New Visa Proposal Would Let States Bring in Migrant Workers (08/04/26)
  • Kiowa County Press: Politics: 2026Talks – August 4, 2026 (08/04/26)
  • Public News Service: DACA backlog could affect Arkansas workforce, population (08/04/26)
  • Rio Grande Guardian: Villarreal: You cannot ask for our support while simultaneously attacking our families and targeting our workforce (08/03/26)
  • Senator Mark Kelly鈥檚 Office: Kelly, Curtis Propose State-Sponsored Visa Pilot Program (08/03/26)
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer: (08/01/26)
  • Univision: (07/29/26)
  • ValleyCentral.com: (07/29/26)
  • Texas Border 91探花: (07/29/26)
  • The Texas Tribune: (07/29/26)
  • Cuba Headlines: (07/28/26)
  • CBS News: (07/28/26)
  • Noticias Telemundo: (07/28/26)
  • News From The States: (07/28/26)
  • Newsweek: (07/28/26)
  • NPR – Here & Now: (07/27/26)
  • McKnights Senior Living: (07/26/26)
  • Public News Service: (07/22/26)
  • The Daily Press: (07/21/26)
  • The Washington Post: (07/19/26)
  • Newsweek: (07/17/26)
  • Greenfield Recorder: (07/16/26)
  • The Florida Catholic: (07/15/26)
  • Latin Times: (07/13/26)
  • Financial Express: (07/13/26)
  • Mwakilishi: (07/13/26)
  • Newsweek: (07/09/26)
  • America鈥檚 Voice: (07/07/26)
  • DRG News: (07/04/26)
  • Sun Sentinel: (07/03/26)
  • LegalClarity: (07/01/26)

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Know This Now, July 31, 2026: 鈥淩ally in the Valley鈥: South Texas Leaders and ABIC Action Sound the Alarm Over ICE Raids Driving Up Prices, Demand Work Permits /know-this-now-july-31-2026-rally-in-the-valley-south-texas-leaders-and-abic-action-sound-the-alarm-over-ice-raids-driving-up-prices-demand-work-permits/ Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:32:00 +0000 /?p=37040 鈥淩ally in the Valley鈥: South Texas Leaders and ABIC Action Sound the Alarm Over ICE Raids Driving Up Prices, Demand Work Permits South Texas builders, business owners, elected officials, faith...

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South Texas builders, business owners, elected officials, faith leaders and community members gathered Wednesday for the 鈥淩ally in the Valley,鈥 and sounded the alarm on how worksite raids are shrinking construction crews, delaying housing and infrastructure projects and driving up costs across the region.  , see video highlights on and see coverage at , , , , .

Speakers at the rally called on Congress to create work permit programs for vetted, long-term immigrant workers.

Hosted by the and , the rally urged federal leaders to 鈥渓et builders build鈥 by pairing border security with a practical workforce solution that allows longtime immigrants who have spent years working, paying taxes and helping build Texas to continue contributing to the economy. 





鈥淚n this country, 30% of construction workers are immigrant labor. In Texas, that number goes to 40%, and in some urban areas, that number is around 50%,鈥 U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34) reminded the crowd.

The rally also reflected the political stakes surrounding immigration enforcement in South Texas. Speakers warned that Hispanic voters could help determine control of Congress this fall and cannot be taken for granted by either political party. The Texas Tribune鈥檚 coverage emphasized this, read:




Across the Rio Grande Valley, builders and contractors are reporting shrinking crews, workers afraid to report to job sites, rising subcontractor costs and projects falling behind schedule. The Associated General Contractors of America found that struggle to fill open positions.



鈥淚 am a DACA recipient. My journey is a testament to the power of hard work and opportunity,鈥 said Emiliano Valencia, Texas Deputy Director at ABIC Action. 鈥淥ur economy cannot thrive, and our cost of living will not stabilize if we continue to break the very workforce that sustains it. It’s time for Congress to have a pathway to citizenship agreement, a permanent status for workers.鈥

BREAKING Chair Governor Kevin Stitt (R-OK) and Vice Chair Governor Wes Moore (D-MD) unveiled their joint priorities at the NGA Summer Meeting in Oklahoma City this week and spoke on Morning Joe about several, including championing work permits for long term immigrant workers.

“91探花s know that we need to have secure borders… But what is the end game?” said Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. “We believe that the state should be more in control of workforce permits. We are closer to our workforce, whether it’s hospitality, agriculture, construction… The governor should be able to match employer to employee. Congress doesn鈥檛 want to deal with it. States can get this done.”

ABIC Action thanks Governors Kevin Stitt (R-OK) and Wes Moore for their strong, bipartisan leadership on this issue.  During opening remarks, in Maryland, emphasizing how legal workforce pathways directly drive economic growth and lower costs for families.

“The recent immigration policy coming out of Washington is stalling economic growth and hurting our workforce,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. “It is long past time for Congress to enact solutions that protect long-time immigrant contributors鈥 providing stability to the businesses who rely on them.”

Attending the summit in Oklahoma City, ABIC CEO Rebecca Shi praised both governors for their vision and commitment to practical workforce solutions.

“We are deeply grateful to Governor Stitt and Governor Moore for their courageous, bipartisan leadership,鈥 Shi said. 鈥淕overnors see firsthand how labor shortages drag down local economies, drive up inflation, and leave key industries struggling to hire鈥overnors Stitt and Moore are proving that common-sense immigration reform isn’t a partisan issue鈥攊t’s an affordability issue.鈥

ABIC Action commends the governors for amplifying a vital message long backed by ABIC and business leaders nationwide: “The border is secure, it is time to secure the workforce.”

TPS Ends for Haitians and Syrians: ICE Plans Mass Deportation Operation and Care Facilities Lose Critical Staff
Temporary Protected Status ended on Monday for 6,100 Syrians and 350,000 Haitians, some of whom have been in the U.S. since 2010. About 70 percent of T.P.S. holders were participating in the U.S. labor force, many in construction and health care, reported the .

Employers had to immediately let go of valuable workers as the deadline hit, and the impact is already being felt across the country. about the fallout.

鈥淭his will exacerbate the caregiver shortage, stripping legal work permits from experienced Haitian healthcare workers,鈥  Shi told NPR. 鈥淣ine out of 10 U.S. nursing homes reports operating below staffing levels鈥here just wasn鈥檛 a line of native-born 91探花s waiting to do this work.鈥

, saying hundreds of thousands of 鈥渓egally authorized workers who have spent years paying taxes and filling critical jobs are being pushed into uncertainty at a time when businesses are already struggling with severe workforce shortages.”

, noting that economists say 鈥渄eporting immigrant workers does not lift wages or provide meaningful benefits to 91探花 workers.鈥

USA Today also interviewed ABIC CEO Rebecca Shi.


Goodwin Living President and CEO Rob Liebreich, who is an ABIC member, told , we鈥檙e 鈥渓osing really good people who have just been critical to their operations and support.鈥 He said the industry is not ready to serve older adults with even fewer hands. 鈥淭he equation is getting harder and harder to solve.鈥

with expired TPS, CBS reports. The plans include arresting migrants in places like Ohio and Florida and quickly putting them on deportation flights to crisis-stricken Haiti, . 

Allyn McKinney, a veteran who relies on a Haitian caregiver told CBS he believes the U.S. should protect immigrants who have contributed so much.

“I’m embarrassed for our country,” McKinney said. “As a veteran. As an 91探花 citizen. I’m embarrassed.鈥

Policy Watch

Farm Policy News:

A new GOP farm labor bill, the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA), is splitting Republicans. Introduced by House Agriculture Chair G.T. Thompson, it would overhaul the H-2A visa program, extending work stays to 350 days, certifications to three years, and cutting fees, while also letting some undocumented farmworkers already here apply for legal H-2A status.

Some hardline conservatives call that amnesty: Thompson rejects the label, and farm-state Republicans like Lloyd Smucker counter that growers “desperately need workers.” Trump says he’s still looking into the bill, which from the ABIC Agricultural Council.

WaPo: A new Trump administration rule, effective immediately as of Tuesday, could shift nearly 450,000 pending asylum cases directly into deportation proceedings, cutting USCIS’s 1.4 million-case backlog by roughly a third. Immigration attorneys warn the move could let cases be dismissed by immigration judges without a hearing, potentially resulting in removals without asylum seekers ever getting their day in court. The rule took effect before the public had a chance to weigh in.

Juan Carlos Cerda, Texas ABIC director and a DACA recipient, was interviewed by CBS about the six months it took to receive his renewal this year. His status lapsed, forcing unpaid leave just as his wife became pregnant. DACA renewal times have jumped to a this year, up from half a month last year.

Cerda’s letter to DHS, signed by 143 business and community leaders, led to his renewal being processed within days, but many others nationwide are still losing jobs to the delays, and California advocates have sued the administration over it. Construction leaders warn even brief work-authorization gaps can derail projects and cost companies money. 

Enforcement Updates
NYTimes:


ICE has expanded a TSA data-sharing program to arrest people with expired visas at airports, not just those with deportation orders, sweeping up spouses of U.S. citizens, tech workers, and others with pending legal applications. Arrests have hit at least 15 airports, including a Colorado au pair detained despite a lawful pending case, an engineer awaiting a work-permit extension, and newlyweds pursuing green cards through marriage. Lawyers call it unprecedented and are now advising clients mid-status-change to avoid flying. DHS says the goal is ensuring undocumented immigrants “can no longer fly unless it is out of our country to self-deport,” part of a push for 2,000 arrests a day. 

Perspectives:

  • 鈥淲e are fighting not only for the lives of our Haitian neighbors, but also for the very soul of our community and country,鈥 writes Michael McClelland, retired journalist and professor. He calls on readers to urge Ohio Senators John Husted and Bernie Moreno to back HR 1689, which would extend TPS protections for at least three years, and to support local groups like the Haitian Community Help and Support Center.

    鈥淪pringfield families will be torn asunder, lives devastated,鈥 he writes, encouraging people to safely document any ICE activity they witness, since a bystander’s presence and video can be one of the only checks on excessive force.

    Opinion:
  • Lt. Gen. Honor茅, commanding general of the U.S. First Army from 2004 to 2008, wrote in the NY Times that the State Department keeps a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory in place for Haiti, citing gangs that control 80-90% of Port-au-Prince.

    Deporting TPS horlders to an active war zone, he warns, would cut off remittances, deepen Haiti’s crisis, fuel gang recruitment, and strip the U.S. of Haitian workers who fill critical roles, especially in healthcare, where many work as nursing assistants and home health aides in an already short-staffed system.

    He urged Congress to pass a lasting TPS solution and the administration to let Haiti build real security capacity.

Get Involved

  1. Join one of ABIC’s Councils of 100 and let your voice be heard with your peers – . The Council of 100 is a coalition of top business leaders working to advance common-sense workforce solutions.
  2. Share your story: If your business is interested in engaging with the press as part of ABIC or amplifying your story on social media, take this to let us know your preferences.听
  3. Work with us: ABIC is hiring! We are looking for a California State Director and Digital Manager to join our growing team. Learn more.

ABIC in the news. . . 

View all recent coverage here 

  • Univision: (07/29/26)
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The post Know This Now, July 31, 2026: 鈥淩ally in the Valley鈥: South Texas Leaders and ABIC Action Sound the Alarm Over ICE Raids Driving Up Prices, Demand Work Permits appeared first on 91探花.

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Know This Now, July 24, 2026: Washington Post: ABIC Continues Push on DHS for Employer Relief Amid ICE Arrest Surge /know-this-now-july-24-2026-washington-post-abic-continues-push-on-dhs-for-employer-relief-amid-ice-arrest-surge/ Fri, 24 Jul 2026 15:28:00 +0000 /?p=37028 Washington Post: ABIC Continues Push on DHS for Employer Relief Amid ICE Arrest Surge In a major shift, the DHS under new leadership from Secretary Markwayne Mullin is asking for...

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In a major shift, the DHS under new leadership from Secretary Markwayne Mullin is asking for input from business leaders after months of stonewalling regarding federal immigration enforcement policy. reports DHS officials hosted closed door meetings earlier this month with pro-business groups to directly address how ICE enforcement is destabilizing workforces across the nation.

The outreach on behalf of DHS signals a shift towards a more open dialogue, but business advocates emphasize that any high level talks must translate immediately into common-sense policy, like the extension of work permits for TPS holders and legal status for Dreamers. The administration earlier this month: 

“They listened to business and GOP lawmakers on the extension of work permits instead of terminating them immediately.”

Rebecca Shi, CEO, 91探花

Despite the engagement from DHS, enforcement velocity on job sites continues to ramp up. , with construction sites and commercial supply hubs bearing the brunt of the force: 

Secretary Mullin has opened dialogue with the business community, but employers say conversations mean little if enforcement continues to disrupt job sites faster than policymakers can find a common-sense solution.

TPS Expiration Cliff 

A federal appeals court issued a last-minute stay for roughly 350,000 Haitian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders nationwide, extending legal work authorization and deportation protections through Monday, July 27

Since 2010, TPS has been continually renewed as political violence and instability mounted in Haiti, where the U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory due to widespread crime, kidnapping, and civil unrest. 

“This decision will ruin entire ecosystems.”

Candice Mondesir, Executive Director, Haitian 91探花 Chamber of Commerce of Florida

In Florida alone, that healthcare providers face severe workforce disruption as 36,350 Haitian TPS holders working in senior care, home health, and hospitals face potential termination. Nursing home operators and care associations warn that replacing these dedicated workers in an already tight labor market is virtually impossible without causing severe care gaps and forcing unsustainable overtime costs.

With more than 20% of Haitian immigrants in the U.S. working in healthcare, and TPS holders representing 15% of noncitizen healthcare workers, maintaining work authorization for law-abiding caregivers is essential to meeting the rising demand for senior care. 

Congressional Watch

Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) this week to force a floor vote on the bipartisan 91探花 Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 1589). together with Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick of PA, signed the petition alongside to push the effort forward:

If 218 members sign on, the procedural mechanism bypasses leadership control, bringing the legislation directly to the House floor for an immediate vote.

What the Dream & Promise Act Does:

  • Earned Permanent Legal Status for Dreamers: Establishes a pathway to lawful permanent residence and eventual citizenship for eligible undocumented youth who meet education, work, or military requirements.
  • Permanent Protections for TPS & DED Holders: Replaces temporary humanitarian designations with permanent legal status for long-term residents.
  • Background Checks & Immediate Protections: Mandates criminal and national security vetting while protecting applicants from deportation during processing.

Processing delays for DACA renewals are forcing employers to terminate staff as applications drag on for months. While DHS attributes the wait times to enhanced vetting, advocates warn that administrative friction is needlessly stripping work authorization from nearly 500,000 active DACA holders nationwide, including almost 8,000 in Virginia, who work in healthcare, education, and law enforcement.

“When you remove people that are productive and so motivated, you’re not just harming these professionals, you’re harming the 91探花 economy and also 91探花 citizens that depend on their hard work.”

Rebecca Shi, CEO, 91探花

With DACA recipients maintaining a labor force participation rate above 90%, business groups warn these delays inflict self-imposed harm on regional labor markets while federal lawsuits seek to expedite processing.

Comite de 100: Midterm Watch

A new survey of Texas Hispanic business owners by the reveals a sharp political shift following aggressive workplace deportation raids and tariffs. Democrat James Talarico currently holds a seven-point lead among Hispanic business owners over Republican nominee Ken Paxton in the Texas U.S. Senate race. The polling marks a notable reversal from 2024, when Donald Trump won Texas Latino voters by 10 points.

According to the survey, one in five Hispanic business owners in Texas had an employee deported in the past year, while 70% reported that their operations were negatively impacted by tariffs and workforce disruptions.

For many business owners, the impact of workplace enforcement has been immediate and severe. Benny Mel茅ndez, a south Texas construction company owner who voted for Trump in 2024, reported losing more than 10 workers to deportations since early 2025. “I didn鈥檛 like what Biden was doing here on the border,” Melendez said: “But now with Trump, it鈥檚 all the opposite, 180 degree change. He doesn鈥檛 let us work. He鈥檚 taking the best we have.” 

Melendez added that continuing to support Republicans has become impossible, asking:

 “How can we continue voting for someone that is targeting our community? There鈥檚 no way possible we鈥檙e going to support that. No way.”

Benny Mel茅ndez, owner of the residential construction company BM3

The South Texas Builders Association and ABIC Action are bringing together business, faith,  community leaders and lawmakers for a bipartisan rally to demand legal work permits for long-term immigrant workers and demand an end to worksite ICE enforcement. The rally centers on a direct message to elected officials: Let Our Builders Build.

With 92% of construction firms struggling to fill open positions and project delays driving up housing costs across the state, leaders are calling for an immediate end to disruptive jobsite raids. Lawmakers must provide legal work permits for vetted and skilled immigrant workers to protect Texas’s $687 billion Latino economy, stabilize the housing market, and allow essential industries to keep working.

Enforcement Updates 

Data released by ICE shows nationwide detentions spiked in June 2026, reaching over 43,000 bookings in a single month. The surge marks the highest monthly booking total since President Trump returned to office, bringing the total detained population to nearly 66,000 as of mid-July.

Immigrants without criminal records represent 79% of the average daily detained population nationwide and 74% across California facilities. Policy analysts note this marks an unprecedented shift, with non-criminal individuals comprising the largest single category of ICE detainees.

A new study released by the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute and Inclusive Action for the City highlights the lingering economic damage caused by immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. Examining data from businesses near nine enforcement sites during initial raids in June 2025, researchers found that shops within a half-mile radius lost $3.16 million in revenue and experienced 46,000 fewer customer visits in just two weeks.

A survey of 75 local Latino business owners revealed widespread disruption: 68% temporarily closed or reduced operating hours, and over 50% reported employees missing work out of fear of ICE detention. Additionally, 59% lost more than half their revenue during the initial push, and 76% stated the raids harmed their overall health and well-being.

More than a year later, local merchants are still struggling to recover. The study notes that 95% of surveyed owners continue to face financial hardship, with over half unable to consistently cover basic operating costs.

News Briefing

A decline in U.S. fertility rates alongside sharp immigration restrictions has dragged population growth to historic lows. Without positive net migration, demographic models project the total U.S. population will shrink by the late 2020s.

Because aggregate GDP growth relies on workforce expansion, a stagnant labor pool threatens to slow annual economic growth from its historical 3% average to 2% or lower.

This slowdown risks national security, as aggregate GDP determines a country’s ability to fund defense and maintain global leadership. Fiscally, fewer incoming workers leave fewer taxpayers to support Social Security, Medicare, and the national debt. While pro-natal policies take decades to show results, immigration offers an immediate offset by adding prime-age workers who strengthen the tax base without requiring early-childhood public investment.

A wave of regulatory shifts by DHS and USCIS has made green cards significantly harder to obtain, driving up rejection rates and causing widespread uncertainty. A May policy change now treats applying for a green card from inside the U.S. as a rare privilege rather than a standard right. It also adds extra scrutiny to marriage-based applications, especially for those switching from student visas, TPS, or DACA.

Additionally, DHS has rescinded Biden-era public charge protections; beginning September 18, adjudicators can deny green cards based on an applicant’s potential use of non-cash benefits like Medicaid and SNAP. Legal experts and advocacy groups warn that stripping objective evaluation standards grants officers wide latitude for arbitrary denials, creating a chilling effect that deters families from accessing basic care and services.

Perspectives:

In a New York Times op-ed, Andrea R. Flores, an attorney and immigration policy expert, argues that aggressive ICE tactics under President Trump, highlighted by the recent fatal shootings of undocumented immigrants Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastian Guerrero, have left Latino communities across America in crisis.

Despite a significant shift toward Trump in 2024, many Latinos who supported enforcement measures believed the administration would target violent criminals rather than long-term residents, business owners, and families.

Flores notes that Democrats have historically misread Latino voters by treating them as a single-issue constituency or offering broken immigration promises during campaign cycles. To build lasting political momentum, she argues Democrats must abandon the false choice between border security and legal pathways. Instead, the party should adopt a balanced approach that combines strong border management with legal work authorization and citizenship pathways for long-term undocumented residents.

Get Involved

  1. Join one of ABIC’s Councils of 100 and let your voice be heard with your peers – . The Council of 100 is a coalition of top business leaders working to advance common-sense workforce solutions.
  2. Share your story: If your business is interested in engaging with the press as part of ABIC or amplifying your story on social media, take this to let us know your preferences.听
  3. Work with us: ABIC is hiring! We are looking for a California State Director and Digital Manager to join our growing team. Learn more.

ABIC in the news. . . 

View all recent coverage here 

  • Public News Service: (07/22/26)
  • The Daily Press: (07/21/26)
  • The Washington Post: (07/19/26)
  • Newsweek: (07/17/26)
  • Greenfield Recorder: (07/16/26)
  • The Florida Catholic: (07/15/26)
  • Latin Times: (07/13/26)
  • Financial Express: (07/13/26)
  • Mwakilishi: (07/13/26)
  • Newsweek: (07/09/26)
  • America鈥檚 Voice: (07/07/26)
  • DRG News: (07/04/26)
  • Sun Sentinel: (07/03/26)
  • LegalClarity: (07/01/26)
  • The Bulwark: (06/30/26)
  • Bloomberg: (06/30/26)
  • Positive Aging Sourcebook: (06/29/26)
  • Newsweek: (06/28/26)
  • Crossroads Today: (06/26/26)
  • The Washington Post: (06/26/26)
  • Fox: (06/26/26)
  • McKnights: (06/25/26)
  • CNN: (06/25/26)
  • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, (06/25/26)
  • ACOM: (6/23/26)
  • SAN: (6/22/26)
  • Politico: (6/21/26)
  • Texas GOP Vote: (06/18/26)
  • Dairy Agenda Today: (06/18/26)
  • WBAY: (06/15/26)
  • 13 ABC: (06/15/26)
  • Fox 5 Las Vegas: (06/15/26)
  • Politico: (06/15/26)

The post Know This Now, July 24, 2026: Washington Post: ABIC Continues Push on DHS for Employer Relief Amid ICE Arrest Surge appeared first on 91探花.

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Know This Now, July 17, 2026: Policy Whiplash on ICE Traffic Stops Creates Uncertainty and Workforce Disruption聽 /know-this-now-july-17-2026-policy-whiplash-on-ice-traffic-stops-creates-uncertainty-and-workforce-disruption/ Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:35:00 +0000 /?p=37063 Policy Whiplash on ICE Traffic Stops Creates Uncertainty and Workforce Disruption  A series of policy changes out of Washington this week has left 91探花 employers navigating an unpredictable enforcement landscape,...

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Policy Whiplash on ICE Traffic Stops Creates Uncertainty and Workforce Disruption 

A series of policy changes out of Washington this week has left 91探花 employers navigating an unpredictable enforcement landscape, causing confusion to regional workforces.

Following during vehicle stops, and bipartisan outcry from , Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) most roadside stops nationwide to allow for procedural reviews. 

However, the temporary suspension was rescinded less than 24 hours later. Following pressure from hardline advisers, on social media, declaring traffic stops an essential enforcement tool and ordering agents to immediately resume the practice. 

TRAFFIC GRAPHIC

The policy shift was further complicated Tuesday morning by a third transit-related fatality in Florida, .

ICE field operations heavily favor vehicle stops because targeting individuals in cars avoids the judicial warrants required to enter private homes or commercial job sites. 

For businesses across the country, the sudden regulatory whiplash is felt directly on the job site before the first shift even begins:

Employer Quote graphic

Because federal enforcement is intentionally focusing on public transit corridors to bypass property protections and judicial warrants, the daily commute will continue to be a primary point of friction for the immigrant workforce and employers across the country.

multiple fatal ICE shootings in a single week have created deep anxiety within the GOP and the Trump administration. Lawmakers and anonymous administration officials warn of political fallout, fearing that because the officers involved lacked body-worn cameras, the administration cannot effectively manage public perception of the incidents or defend officer conduct.

The backlash is a critical test for Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who had pledged to keep the agency out of negative headlines. The crisis has already exposed friction at the very top: Mullin temporarily paused “non-urgent vehicle stops,” only for President Trump to publicly undermine his own secretary. With hardliners warning this backlash threatens their political mandate, bipartisan pressure is mounting for independent oversight.

ACTION ALERT: Tell Congress: No enforcement bills without work permits

In the coming days, Congress is pushing for H.R. 2, a harsh enforcement-only immigration bill. At the same time, ongoing ICE fatalities, court decisions that ended work authorizations, and deportations of Dreamers and other long term, law abiding essential workers are a daily reminder that the status quo is unacceptable. Every day we delay commonsense immigration solutions that protect contributing immigrants – our economy, national security, and 91探花 citizens pay the price. 

What is H.R. 2: It is while ignoring the need for work permits for long-term, law-abiding immigrants. Under this approach, essential industries will face even worse worker shortages, resulting in fewer choices and higher prices for all 91探花s. For example, . 

If Congress is serious about lowering prices and protecting our communities, we need work permits for essential workers in agriculture, hospitality, senior care, construction and manufacturing. This isn鈥檛 a choice between border security and economic security. 91探花s deserve both.

. Tell them: Enforcement without work permits for long-term immigrant contributors is unacceptable. 

TPS Workforce Crisis

The Department of Homeland Security is expiring, with work permits ending July 17 for nationals of six countries and July 24 for Haiti.

The notice has left many employers scrambling to understand their legal obligations and how to manage the sudden loss of experienced employees. Jacob Monty, legal counsel for ABIC, said the lack of clear federal guidance created unnecessary confusion, leading some employers to terminate workers earlier than required:

“U.S.C.I.S. could have clarified the issue. Many employers were uncertain, leading them to unnecessarily terminate the workers early.”

Hundreds of thousands of long-term TPS holders are deeply embedded in essential industries, serving as frontline caregivers and healthcare workers, as well as supporting construction, manufacturing, transportation, hospitality, and other sectors already facing persistent labor shortages.

that faith leaders and business advocates are turning their focus to Congress as the primary avenue for protecting Florida’s Haitian community. 

Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami has issued a direct appeal to the U.S. Senate, particularly Florida Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody to pass H.R. 1689, a bipartisan, House-approved bill that would extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections for an additional three years. 

Archbishop Wenski argues that forcing 350,000 people back to a country devastated by violence and political collapse is not a workable alternative, and that a three-year extension is a vital, short-term patch to buy Congress time for comprehensive immigration reform.

“This would be an incredible lifeline for these desperate people, so they could avoid returning to the chaos.” 鈥 Archbishop Thomas Wenski

Local pastors are rallying their anxious congregations with a message of spiritual resilience, describing the current crisis as a “Good Friday” or a modern-day “Golgotha” for Haitian families, Father Reginald Jean-Mary of Notre Dame d鈥橦aiti Mission emphasized that passing the Senate bill would offer the community a much-needed “moment of Easter” and resurrection.

Senior living and healthcare groups are urging their stakeholders to contact senators to pass legislation extending Haitian TPS through January 2029. While USCIS issued a brief extension to July 24, operators warn that these week-to-week placeholder deadlines offer zero permanence. 

Highlighting the immediate, daily stakes for long-term care facilities, Dana Ritchie, associate vice president of workforce and constituency services at the 91探花 Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), stressed:

“Each day with these caretakers is critical as they continue to provide essential care to our nation鈥檚 seniors and individuals with disabilities. We will continue to encourage policymakers to consider the incredible impact these dedicated, international caregivers have on long-term care and the residents they serve.”

Jeanne McGlynn Delgado of the 91探花 Seniors Housing Association cautioned that employers have seen “no evidence to suggest that this would lead to a permanent extension,” leaving providers in an impossible operating environment as they face severe, unfillable staffing vacancies.

With TPS protections for El Salvador’s 200,000 workers set to lapse in early September, the U.S. economy is bracing for the permanent loss of a stable workforce legally integrated since 1990.

. Jose Urias, a Maryland business owner who arrived in 1996, explained how banks are now treating long-term business owners as high-risk borrowers:

“We have a hard time to run the business because I depend on bank loans. And to buy properties, we need loans. And right now I鈥檓 a risk for the banks. They don鈥檛 want to give us a loan anymore because they think I only have 60 days.”

To avert this economic disruption caused by the El Salvador TPS extermination, The coalition stressed that Salvadoran TPS holders contribute $5.4 billion to the U.S. economy and pay $1.5 billion in taxes annually, filling critical shortages in construction, transportation, and manufacturing.

Related Coverage: ABIC Action Warns of Economic Impact Over Potential Salvadoran TPS Expiration

Following President Donald Trump鈥檚 meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, ABIC Action released a statement detailing the economic impact of allowing Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador to expire. With work permits for more than 170,000 Salvadoran workers set to lapse in 60 days, business leaders are urging the administration to use its executive authority to extend protections.

According to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 90% of Salvadoran TPS holders participate in the U.S. labor force, contributing $5.4 billion to the U.S. GDP annually and paying $1.5 billion in federal, state, and local taxes. Removing these workers from the economy will increase labor shortages in sectors like hospitality, manufacturing, and construction, driving up costs for consumers. The data underscores why business leaders are urging the administration to extend TPS through executive action while Congress works toward permanent legislative solutions

Midterm Watch: Hispanic Vote in 2026

The battle for the Latino vote is taking center stage in the 2026 midterms. A shows President Trump鈥檚 approval among Latino voters sitting at 31%, with 69% disapproving, a fall from when his disapproval was at 55%.

However, strategists warn that this slump will not translate to an automatic Democratic victory. Republican consultant Mike Madrid points out that regional differences among Latinos are collapsing under the shared weight of inflation, leaving voters ready to punish whoever is currently in office:

“What you end up with is Latinos voting against whoever is in power and punishing them for the economic issues that aren’t being addressed.”

Aggressive mass deportation efforts have triggered public pushback from some Republicans. Florida GOP Representative Maria Elvira Salazar warned that the crackdown has gone too far:

鈥淚’m tired of it because it’s time for us to keep that voting bloc that voted for the president in 2024.”

Writing for , Jack Herrera cautions that Democrats cannot mistake Trump鈥檚 drop in popularity for newfound enthusiasm;

While voters express deep distress over aggressive ICE sweeps under President Trump, working-class families are still feeling the sting of the Biden-era economy, which saw housing prices in swing states like Pennsylvania jump over 50% in six years.

Tony P茅rez, an evangelical pastor in Reading, Pennsylvania, notes that despite intense anxiety over local immigration checkpoints, many in his community would still reluctantly back Trump: “You hold your nose and do it, because you have to.”

With Latino voters increasingly young, U.S.-born, and politically unaligned, they remain the most swing bloc of the midterms.

Dignity Act Milestone

Marking one year since its introduction, the coalition behind the bipartisan DIGNITY Act has officially surpassed 100 organizational endorsements, signaling powerful momentum for a framework that offers a bipartisan deal for dignity and stability for long-term immigrants and 91探花 communities. Spearheaded by Representatives Mar铆a Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX), the bill has managed to unite historically adversarial factions鈥攊ncluding agriculture, manufacturing, faith, and labor groups鈥攗nder a single banner to modernize border security, stabilize our workforce and communities, and protect 91探花 families and workers.

This growing consensus has translated into concrete traction on Capitol Hill, where the bill now boasts 40 congressional co-sponsors and an official endorsement from the influential Problem Solvers Caucus. , advocates point to the bill’s three core pillars as a common-sense solution to do what no previous government has achieved: securing the border through advanced technology and infrastructure, securing the workforce by providing legal work permits for law-abiding immigrant workers who have contributed for years, and securing the future with a $70 billion fund to upskill 91探花 workers.

ABIC Ag Bulletin

More than are backing the bipartisan Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026 (H.R. 9535) to expand legal work pathways as U.S. farms struggle to fill jobs. According to reporting by the , in 2025, only 182 domestic workers applied for nearly 415,000 advertised agricultural positions, highlighting the growing gap between labor demand and the available workforce.

The legislation would expand H-2A visas to year-round sectors like dairy and livestock, reduce administrative burdens through multi-year certifications, and provide temporary legal status for experienced undocumented farmworkers. both the growing support from agricultural leaders for modernizing the H-2A program and the opposition from conservatives who argue it does too much by way of protections for the existing workforce and progressive groups that argue it doesn’t do enough.

News Briefing:

An economic warns that a historic low in U.S. population growth, driven by a record-low 1.6 fertility rate and a sharp decline in net migration, is steering the country toward a future of slower economic growth. 

A shrinking workforce directly diminishes overall GDP, dragging projected annual growth down simultaneously. To counter these headwinds, the piece suggests policymakers must focus on boosting productivity, reforming entitlement programs, or reopening pathways for legal immigration to help shoulder the national debt.

Democratic lawmakers, led by New Jersey Representatives Frank Pallone and Nellie Pou, are intensifying , a 1,000-bed immigration detention facility in Newark run by the private prison operator Geo Group. 

The backlash exposing systemic health and food safety violations, including unsanitized kitchens and food stored at dangerously warm temperatures. While New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport has sued the federal government to allow state health inspectors inside the facility, the Department of Justice has blocked those efforts, claiming state-level oversight is a pretext to disrupt federal operations. 

The Department of Homeland Security dismissed the allegations as a “hoax,” asserting that detainees receive excellent care and due process, but local backlash has continued to mount.

Get Involved

  1. Join one of ABIC’s Councils of 100 and let your voice be heard with your peers – . The Council of 100 is a coalition of top business leaders working to advance common-sense workforce solutions.
  2. Share your story: If your business is interested in engaging with the press as part of ABIC or amplifying your story on social media, take this to let us know your preferences.听
  3. Work with us: ABIC is hiring! We are looking for a California State Director and Digital Manager to join our growing team. Learn more.

ABIC in the news. . . 

View all recent coverage here 

  • Greenfield Recorder: (07/16/26)
  • The Florida Catholic: (07/15/26)
  • Latin Times: (07/13/26)
  • Financial Express: (07/13/26)
  • Mwakilishi: (07/13/26)
  • Newsweek: (07/09/26)
  • America鈥檚 Voice: (07/07/26)
  • DRG News: (07/04/26)
  • Sun Sentinel: (07/03/26)
  • LegalClarity: (07/01/26)
  • The Bulwark: (06/30/26)
  • Bloomberg: (06/30/26)
  • Positive Aging Sourcebook: (06/29/26)
  • Newsweek: (06/28/26)
  • Crossroads Today: (06/26/26)
  • The Washington Post: (06/26/26)
  • Fox: (06/26/26)
  • McKnights: (06/25/26)
  • CNN: (06/25/26)
  • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, (06/25/26)
  • ACOM: (6/23/26)
  • SAN: (6/22/26)
  • Politico: (6/21/26)
  • Texas GOP Vote: (06/18/26)
  • Dairy Agenda Today: (06/18/26)

The post Know This Now, July 17, 2026: Policy Whiplash on ICE Traffic Stops Creates Uncertainty and Workforce Disruption聽 appeared first on 91探花.

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Know This Now, July 10, 2026: Nationwide Surge in ICE Raids Threatens Workforces and Upends Local Economies and Communities /know-this-now-july-10-2026-nationwide-surge-in-ice-raids-threatens-workforces-and-upends-local-economies-and-communities/ Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:34:00 +0000 /?p=37044 Nationwide Surge in ICE Raids Threatens Workforces and Upends Local Economies and Communities A nationwide surge in federal immigration enforcement is threatening local economies and triggering an immediate workforce crisis...

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A nationwide surge in federal immigration enforcement is threatening local economies and triggering an immediate workforce crisis for employers across the country.

Continuing a massive week of escalation, , the aggressive and targeted nature of these raids has focused on workplaces and essential personnel just as peak seasonal operations get underway. 

The campaign has manifested itself in chaotic raids spanning the nation: with the in Houston, to where resort and restaurant workforces were gutted on the eve of the start of the summer travel season, up en route to major commercial worksites.

Similar workplace disruptions have hit , landscaping operations in , and business across and . 

For communities around the country, this aggressive focus has created a pervasive economy of fear, causing catastrophic operational panic for businesses and abruptly halting consumer spending as immigrant families and workers retreat entirely from public life.

More Coverage: ICE Raids Sweep the Nation

Tragedy struck the Houston community early Tuesday morning when Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old father of three and a construction worker who spent 35 years building homes in the region, was fatally shot by an ICE agent in an unmarked vehicle while transporting a crew of workers to a job site.

The killing has sparked deep outrage among local business and community leaders. Massey Villarreal, CEO and President of Precision Task Group, Inc. (PTG) and Co-chairman of Comit茅 de 100, issued a call for federal accountability and immediate policy reform:

Increased federal immigration enforcement across the Rio Grande Valley is triggering severe project delays, skyrocketing building costs, and a massive sales slump for South Texas builders. The chilling effect is so severe that even U.S. citizen workers are staying home out of fear, causing standard four-month home builds to double to eight or nine months

The South Texas Builders Association (STBA), an ABIC member and partner organization, reports that aggressive enforcement tactics, including targeting construction trucks on the road and entering private residential jobsites, have terrified the local workforce, sending ripple effects throughout the local economy:

An aggressive federal immigration crackdown is creating labor shortages that threaten to collapse the state’s residential construction sector. According to a newly published , immigrants make up roughly 25% of the state鈥檚 construction workforce. However, recent ICE activity has turned job sites into ghost towns.

The report highlights that subcontractors have responded to the extreme labor scarcity by hiking prices by 30% to 40%. The labor shortage created by the atmosphere of fear undermines the state鈥檚 long-term housing goals, threatening to permanently derail plans to build 220,000 new homes by 2035 to alleviate an ongoing housing shortage.

Inside the De-Documentation of TPS and DACA Holders 

For employers across the country, the focus has shifted from anticipating future court rulings to managing the immediate economic fallout of a de-documentation crisis that is already underway and gaining momentum.

On June 25, the Supreme Court cleared the path for the administration to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for roughly 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians,  

URGENT COMPLIANCE UPDATE FOR EMPLOYERS: On July 10, USCIS officially updated its guidance, moving the effective termination date for TPS-based work permits from Haiti and Syria to July 24. If you have employees utilizing TPS-based work permits, they remain fully eligible to continue working without disruption until July 24. If you are unsure of your specific employees’ legal status, the best course of action is always to check with your legal counsel immediately, or connect with our team for direct guidance.

At the same time, leaving employers in limbo and threatening the jobs of workers who have already been vetted, trained, and integrated into the U.S. workforce.

Coalition Highlight: Yesterday, July 9, more than 200 businesses participated in the ABIC Action webinar on the de-documentation crisis. The session addressed the current impact on businesses as they grapple with DACA processing delays, the termination of Haitian and Syrian TPS, and the need for employer legal guidance.

Amplifying these concerns, the , a core partner of the ABIC Action backed coalition representing restaurant, hotel, and agricultural leaders across all 50 states, issued an urgent appeal warning that the sudden loss of TPS will devastate the culinary ecosystem,

On healthcare, bipartisan leaders and policy experts are sounding the alarm over the severe national consequences of the ongoing de-documentation crisis:

That pressure is landing at a moment when 91探花s are already struggling with high grocery bills. According to conducted by Global Strategy Group for The Kitchen Table Project:

To counter the rising costs and inflation pressures throughout the nation鈥檚 food systems, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Securing Agriculture鈥檚 Workforce Act, a major H-2A visa overhaul designed to stabilize the food supply chain and rein in skyrocketing operational costs for producers. The bill directly slashes employer overhead by expanding the traditionally seasonal visa program into a year-round, 350-day labor stream for critical, continuous sectors like dairy and livestock, and creates a critical legal pathway for experienced farmworkers already in the U.S. to transition into legal status while shielding employers from liability.

The , noting that in 2025, U.S. farms received only 182 domestic applications for nearly 415,000 advertised jobs. By replacing severe labor scarcity with a reliable, streamlined, and legal workforce, the legislation directly targets the root causes of rising production costs to ease the burden on both businesses and consumers.

More from the ABIC Network:

The Supreme Court鈥檚 6鈥3 ruling in Barbara v. Trump struck down the administration鈥檚 Executive Order attempting to end birthright citizenship, shielding the U.S. economy from catastrophic workforce disruptions. 

As ABIC Member Ed Kissam highlights, the ruling is an acknowledgment of the economic and social reality of many 91探花 communities:

鈥淎ffirmation of birthright citizenship is, in essence, a recognition of the day-to-day life in the real world of U.S. communities; that millions of immigrants 鈥 including those who have not yet managed to secure permanent residence or citizenship 鈥 live, work, and volunteer side-by-side with their U.S. born neighbors.鈥

This ongoing push to destabilize existing labor pools creates a severe crisis for employers, rendering long-term business planning nearly impossible. While the High Court successfully protected the next generation of 91探花 workers, business leaders must remain fiercely engaged to defend the current workforce sustaining our economy.

News Briefing:

A newly released interview with Wharton School professor Zeke Hernandez reveals that the administration鈥檚 escalating immigration crackdowns, marked by a staggering 10,000 ICE arrests in just a five-day stretch, will trigger devastating, long-term consequences for the 91探花 economy: 

 鈥淲hat you’re doing here is you’re essentially creating an economy of fear. When a business closes, you can’t just snap your fingers and open it back up. Workers have moved somewhere else. The capital is gone. It takes a while for us to recover that. So, if anything, the larger long-term effects could be more damaging.鈥

Zeke Hernandez, Professor at the University of Pennsylvania鈥檚 Wharton School

The data presented by Professor Hernandez reveals that historical enforcement spikes caused a drop of over 8 billion unique visits to commercial areas, resulting in up to $14 billion in lost revenue, a blow felt most acutely by independent, small-to-medium businesses. 

A finds that immigration has played a significant role in driving U.S. innovation by encouraging immigrants to settle in cities with strong research, business, and technology ecosystems. Examining immigration between 1880 and 1920, researchers found that areas receiving more immigrants experienced higher rates of innovation and economic growth, with immigrant inflows contributing to an 8.2% increase in GDP per capita by 1940. The study concludes that immigrants strengthened innovation not only by expanding the workforce but also by concentrating talent in regions where new ideas and technologies were more likely to emerge.

Perspectives:

A new opinion piece in USA Today argues that recent federal immigration funding and incentives are encouraging state and local law enforcement agencies to take on immigration enforcement responsibilities, potentially diverting resources away from their core public safety missions. 

The author contends that police departments, sheriffs, and prosecutors are most effective when focused on preventing crime, solving violent offenses, and maintaining trust with local communities rather than carrying out federal immigration priorities.

Citing obtained by CBS News, the article notes that less than 14% of nearly 400,000 people arrested by ICE in 2025 had been convicted of or charged with violent crimes, while nearly 40% had no criminal record. The author argues these figures raise questions about whether expanding immigration enforcement partnerships is the most effective use of state and local law enforcement resources.

Get Involved

  1. Join one of ABIC’s Councils of 100 and let your voice be heard with your peers – . The Council of 100 is a coalition of top business leaders working to advance common-sense workforce solutions.
  2. Share your story: If your business is interested in engaging with the press as part of ABIC or amplifying your story on social media, take this to let us know your preferences.听
  3. Work with us: ABIC is hiring! We are looking for a California State Director and Digital Manager to join our growing team. Learn more.

ABIC in the news. . . 

View all recent coverage here 

  • Newsweek: (07/09/26)
  • America鈥檚 Voice: (07/07/26)
  • DRG News: (07/04/26)
  • Sun Sentinel: (07/03/26)
  • LegalClarity: (07/01/26)
  • The Bulwark: (06/30/26)
  • Bloomberg: (06/30/26)
  • Positive Aging Sourcebook: (06/29/26)
  • Newsweek: (06/28/26)
  • Crossroads Today: (06/26/26)
  • The Washington Post: (06/26/26)
  • Fox: (06/26/26)
  • McKnights: (06/25/26)
  • CNN: (06/25/26)
  • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, (06/25/26)
  • ACOM: (6/23/26)
  • SAN: (6/22/26)
  • Politico: (6/21/26)
  • Texas GOP Vote: (06/18/26)
  • Dairy Agenda Today: (06/18/26)
  • WBAY: (06/15/26)
  • 13 ABC: (06/15/26)
  • Fox 5 Las Vegas: (06/15/26)
  • Politico: (06/15/26)

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Know This Now, July 3, 2026: ABIC Action: Supreme Court Affirms Birthright Citizenship, Protecting America鈥檚 Families and Economy /know-this-now-july-3-2026-abic-action-supreme-court-affirms-birthright-citizenship-protecting-americas-families-and-economy/ Fri, 03 Jul 2026 13:06:25 +0000 /?p=36994 ABIC Action: Supreme Court Affirms Birthright Citizenship, Protecting America鈥檚 Families and Economy The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the administration鈥檚 executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship on Tuesday, reaffirming...

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The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, reaffirming the 14th Amendment’s guarantee that children born on U.S. soil are 91探花 citizens.

ABIC CEO Rebecca Shi joined Bloomberg鈥檚 鈥淏alance of Power鈥 to discuss the sweeping economic implications of this decision,

鈥淭oday鈥檚 decision affirms what the Constitution has long made clear: birthright citizenship is the steel scaffolding of our future economy, and beneficiaries born to immigrant parents are projected to contribute $7.7 trillion to our economy over the next several decades,鈥 – Rebecca Shi, CEO

, a bipartisan coalition of over 200 Hispanic business, faith, and community leaders co-chaired by Massey Villarreal, Ramiro A. Cavazos, and Sam Sanchez, praised the ruling while sending a razor-sharp warning to Washington lawmakers ahead of a critical midterm cycle:

For the Hispanic business community, the court’s decision is tied directly to the nation鈥檚 future economic success. Ramiro A. Cavazos, President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), underscored the stakes for the economy:

鈥淎ttacks on birthright citizenship create uncertainty for millions of Hispanic 91探花s that create businesses, jobs, and power America鈥檚 economy. Upholding birthright citizenship is critical to the economic potential of this country.鈥

With the Supreme Court鈥檚 ruling window coming to a close, business leaders across the country continue their call to Congress to work together toward permanent and common-sense legislative solutions that protect the 91探花 workforce.

鈥淢illions of Hispanic children will grow into the teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs, and service members who fuel our nation鈥檚 progress. It is time for leaders to end these disruptions and advance bipartisan solutions, such as the Dignity and Dream Acts,鈥 said Sam Sanchez, CEO of Third Coast Hospitality.

on Thursday, July 9 at 2:00 PM ET / 11:AM PT  for an update on the political and legal state of play after the Supreme Court Decision鈥檚 on Haiti TPS

You鈥檒l hear concrete guidance to protect your staff, defend your operations, and learn how to advocate for permanent legislative solutions in the face of:

  • TPS Crisis: 1.3 million workers face removal without immediate congressional action.
  • DACA Threat: Deliberate renewal delays are pushing 520,000 DACA holders out of status, costing them their livelihoods and stripping employers of critical talent.

More from the ABIC Network:

Last week鈥檚 Supreme Court ruling has put the future of hundreds of thousands of critical workers, some who have lived in the U.S. for decades with TPS, in doubt. More than 350,000 Haitians and roughly 6,000 Syrians have TPS, but the Supreme Court ruling ultimately could affect immigrants from 17 countries whose citizens were safeguarded under TPS.

ABIC and our network were featured in multiple news outlets sharing the business community鈥檚 perspective on the ruling.

Rebecca Shi, who heads a coalition of 91探花 employers, says the administration’s move is very destabilizing.

鈥淭hese are vetted immigrants who arrive through legal pathways and hold valid, legal work authorizations, many for over a decade. Now, overnight, they faced forced removal from their communities, from the workforce. And these are ties that they have spent years building.鈥

:
鈥淲e strongly disagree with terminating Haitian TPS,鈥 Rebecca Shi, CEO of ABIC, said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 economically destructive and morally wrong.鈥

Rob Liebreich, president and CEO of faith-based nonprofit Goodwin Living and an ABIC member, described his feeling of 鈥渟adness that more of our older adults who need support in years to come won鈥檛 get the care they need.鈥

Senior resident at Goodwin House Bailey鈥檚 Crossroads in Virginia, Rita Siebenaler was quoted from our ABIC Action press conference:

鈥淭his is not the way a civil society should treat its seniors or humanely treat immigrants to our country,鈥 she said, urging Congress to press for extension of TPS.

And Linda Couch, the senior vice president of housing policy at Leading Age and an ABIC member, was quoted on the immediate impact to seniors and senior care facilities:

鈥淧eople can lose their jobs overnight, and there is no workforce waiting in the wings that can replace these professionals,鈥 Couch said.


ABIC Action and CEO Rebecca Shi were also quoted in
, and .

Many outlets highlighted the potential negative impacts of the ruling on the U.S. economy, including:

  • The loss of workers and consumers will resonate in communities of all sizes throughout the country.鈥
  • 鈥淣ews of the ruling devastated residents and staff at health care and elder care facilities across the country, since a large share of the Haitian immigrant population works in those industries.鈥

鈥淭he effects of this ruling will be felt by more than just those directly impacted 鈥 every worker, every community, and the entire economy will feel it,鈥 said Milton Jones, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union

House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson and a bipartisan coalition of 49 original co-sponsors recently introduced the Securing America’s Workforce Act (SAWA). The legislation seeks to modernize the H-2A visa program by expanding access to year-round agricultural labor, such as dairy farmers, streamlining the hiring process for employers, and providing legal work authorization for certain long-term agricultural workers already in the United States. 

The bill comes at a time when labor shortages represent the most urgent problems facing U.S. agriculture. According to 91探花 Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall, reduced labor supplies stemming from current immigration policies limit us from 鈥渂eing at the full potential production of food for our country.鈥

ABIC Agricultural Council formally endorses the Securing Agriculture鈥檚 Workforce Act.

The released a statement calling the bill a major step in the right direction. The council noted that SAWA addresses long-overdue barriers faced by farmers by modernizing the H-2A visa program and expanding access to a year-round workforce. Crucially, it also fills a critical gap by giving undocumented agricultural workers a path to temporary legal status and work permits.

The agricultural labor crisis is starkly illustrated by recent data: according to the 91探花 Farm Bureau, in 2025, only 182 domestic applications were submitted for nearly 415,000 advertised agricultural positions.

Matt Teagarden, CEO of the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA), emphasized the around-the-clock nature of the industry and the need for stability:

“A stable workforce that farmers can rely on, one where workers feel secure in their status without fear, will provide real relief for our agricultural sector, farmers, and ranchers. This is a step forward that acknowledges what 91探花s already know: immigrants are essential to agriculture,” Teagarden said.

At yesterday鈥檚 House Small 91探花 Committee hearing, entrepreneurs testified that federal immigration policy is harming local commerce and the national cost of living. ABIC Action submitted a statement for the record highlighting that small businesses drive 80.4% of national hiring, about 4 million hires monthly, with immigrants accounting for 24% of all U.S. entrepreneurs. Listen and watch testimony here.

The submitted data shows that immigrant entrepreneurs comprise 36.8% of employer businesses in accommodation and food services, and 46% of owners in transportation and warehousing. Collectively, these businesses contribute an estimated $1.3 trillion in annual sales.

News Briefing:

According to ICE arrest records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act by the and , federal enforcement has increasingly focused on individuals whose only violations are civil immigration infractions, rather than serious criminal records.

The data shows that between February 2025 and February 2026, more than 38,000 people without criminal convictions or pending charges were arrested by ICE in Texas. According to Houston Chronicle reporter Juli谩n Aguilar, this category, which ICE classifies as 鈥渙ther immigration violators鈥, accounted for more arrests in the state than individuals with existing criminal convictions or pending criminal charges.

Immigration attorneys cited in the report note that many of these arrests are occurring during routine, mandatory check-ins that are a formal part of the asylum process.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disputes the implications of the data, stating that the figures are being presented in a misleading way. DHS maintains that nearly 70% of ICE arrests nationwide involve individuals with criminal histories, and suggests that some individuals classified as non-criminals may have committed offenses outside the United States that do not appear in domestic law enforcement records. 

The Trump administration is moving to permanently end automatic extensions of work permits for immigrants awaiting renewal, building on an interim rule that already took effect in October. If finalized, USCIS’s own backlogs could push thousands of asylum seekers, refugees, and other workers out of their jobs.

The Supreme Court handed the Trump administration sweeping new immigration authority with the TPS and asylum rulings. Experts warn the timing is dangerous: for the first time since the Great Depression, the U.S. faces record-low birthrates and record-low immigration at once, with migration into the country projected to fall from 2.7 million in 2024 to as low as 300,000 this year. Economists say the fallout of fewer workers paying into Social Security, school closures, and stagnating populations even in low-immigration states like Iowa and Nebraska, could compound quickly. The Census Bureau is projecting a population loss exceeding 107 million by century’s end without robust immigration. 

Perspectives:

Days before the nation鈥檚 250th anniversary, the Editorial Board commented on a monumental session of immigration decisions in the U.S. Supreme Court. The Editorial Board strongly backed the Court’s 6鈥3 decision to strike down the executive challenge to birthright citizenship, but ultimately said the birthright ruling was a rare bright spot in an otherwise regressive judicial session. The board strongly condemned two other 6鈥3 decisions handed down last week, which allow the administration to strip TPS from hundreds of thousands of settled Haitians and Syrians. 

The Editorial Board wrote that the U.S. desperately needs comprehensive legislative reform through Congress that simultaneously balances workforce needs, border security, family unity, and legal pathways to citizenship.

Get Involved

  1. Join one of ABIC’s Councils of 100 and let your voice be heard with your peers – . The Council of 100 is a coalition of top business leaders working to advance common-sense workforce solutions.
  2. Share your story: If your business is interested in engaging with the press as part of ABIC or amplifying your story on social media, take this to let us know your preferences.听
  3. Work with us: ABIC is hiring! We are looking for a California State Director and Digital Manager to join our growing team. Learn more.

ABIC in the news. . . 

View all recent coverage here 

  • The Bulwark: (6/30/26)
  • Bloomberg: (6/30/26)
  • Positive Aging Sourcebook: (06/29/26)
  • Newsweek: (06/28/26)
  • Crossroads Today: (06/26/26)
  • The Washington Post: (06/26/26)
  • Fox: (06/26/26)
  • McKnights: (06/25/26)
  • CNN: (06/25/26)
  • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, (06/25/26)
  • ACOM: (6/23/26)
  • SAN: (6/22/26)
  • Politico: (6/21/26)
  • Texas GOP Vote: (06/18/26)
  • Dairy Agenda Today: (06/18/26)
  • WBAY: (06/15/26)
  • 13 ABC: (06/15/26)
  • Fox 5 Las Vegas: (06/15/26)
  • Politico: (06/15/26)
  • LiveNow Fox: (06/04/26)
  • FOX 13 Tampa: (06/04/26)
  • FOX 30 Jacksonville: (06/04/26)
  • FOX 43 Harrisburg: (06/04/26)
  • Forbes:

The post Know This Now, July 3, 2026: ABIC Action: Supreme Court Affirms Birthright Citizenship, Protecting America鈥檚 Families and Economy appeared first on 91探花.

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Know This Now, June 26, 2026: LiveNOW Fox: Following Supreme Court TPS Ruling Thursday, ABIC Action, Employers, Senior Care and Advocates Raise Alarms /know-this-now-june-26-2026-livenow-fox-following-supreme-court-tps-ruling-thursday-abic-action-employers-senior-care-and-advocates-raise-alarms/ Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:49:18 +0000 /?p=36971 LiveNOW Fox: Following Supreme Court TPS Ruling Thursday, ABIC Action, Employers, Senior Care and Advocates Raise Alarms  The responsibility for the resulting disruptions to senior care and the economy will...

The post Know This Now, June 26, 2026: LiveNOW Fox: Following Supreme Court TPS Ruling Thursday, ABIC Action, Employers, Senior Care and Advocates Raise Alarms appeared first on 91探花.

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LiveNOW Fox:  

The responsibility for the resulting disruptions to senior care and the economy will rest with the Trump administration and the Republican-controlled Congress


The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday the Trump administration can move forward with removing deportation protections from Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders from Haiti and Syria. 

ABIC CEO Rebecca Shi this morning about the immediate implications of this decision: 

Speakers at an ABIC Action press conference held in the wake of the ruling warned of serious consequences for businesses, workers, families, and senior care providers.

and , , and watch highlights from the speakers on and .

鈥淯nless TPS is extended immediately, the responsibility for these disruptions to senior care will rest with the Trump administration and the Republican-controlled Congress, as 91探花 seniors and their families face the sudden loss of beloved caregivers who have bathed them, fed them, and kept them company for years,鈥 said Rebecca Shi, CEO of 91探花 Action. 鈥淭he administration must reinstate TPS protections, and Congress must urgently act to protect this hardworking, skilled, and vital workforce.鈥

The approximately 1.3 million TPS holders currently in the U.S. are vetted immigrants who arrived through legal pathways and hold valid work permits. TPS workers are essential to the U.S. economy: they are caregivers, construction workers, hospitality employees, small business owners, taxpayers, parents, and neighbors.

鈥淔oreign-born workers are the steel scaffolding of the nation鈥檚 aging services workforce,鈥 said Linda Couch, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at LeadingAge:


鈥淭oday鈥檚 ruling is sad, dreadful, and deeply upsetting for seniors living in communities like mine,鈥 said Rita Siebenaler, a resident at Goodwin House Bailey鈥檚 Crossroads in Virginia.

鈥淸O]lder adults who will need support in the years ahead may not receive the care they need鈥e need more caring hands, not fewer. For the sake of our country and the needs ahead of us, we can and must do better,鈥 said Rob Liebreich, President & CEO of Goodwin Living in Washington, D.C.

鈥淲e already have a workforce shortage, and we need to consider what this means not only for the industries most affected, but for every service that families and businesses rely on,鈥 said Lourdes Leon of the Central Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

鈥淚 am here as a TPS recipient from El Salvador who has lived in the United States for 28 years,鈥 said Jose Palma of the National TPS Alliance. 鈥淧eople with TPS have lived and worked here with documentation for decades, and now the government is telling them to pack everything and leave in 60 days. That is not fair to immigrant families, it is not fair to employers, and it is not fair to the United States.鈥

For more response and analysis of the ruling check out:

  • U.S. Reps. , and each called for the Senate to take up their bi-partisan discharge petition to extend TPS for Haitians
  • Barron’s:
  • Washington Post:
  • NY Times:

More Battles in the Courts This Week:

SCOTUS handed the administration a second immigration-policy victory on Thursday by backing the government’s authority to turn away asylum seekers from U.S.-Mexico border crossings. This 鈥渕etering鈥 allows U.S. immigration officials to stop asylum seekers at the border and indefinitely decline to process their claims.

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration Tuesday in a case involving a green card holder accused of a crime, now giving immigration officials larger authority to place lawful permanent residents into removal proceedings before a conviction. This decision could make it easier to revoke green cards and deport legal residents of the U.S.

A federal appeals court allowed the Trump administration to continue its fast-track deportations of certain undocumented immigrants nationwide without a hearing before a judge. This ruling reimplements a significant tool in the administration鈥檚 deportation agenda, and increases the chances of wrongful deportations.

More from the ABIC Network:



reported on growing concerns from lawmakers, immigration advocates, and business leaders that prolonged USCIS processing delays are leaving DACA recipients without renewed work authorization for months. 

Bipartisan concern was expressed from Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), who warned the delays are leaving Dreamers “stuck in legal limbo, unable to participate in the workforce.” 

Politico featured the , signed by more than 130 CEOs and business leaders, urging the administration to address the growing renewal backlog and provide permanent protections for Dreamers.

reported that DACA renewal processing times have increased from the typical one to three months to as long as six months, and highlighted ABIC’s calls to “expedite delayed renewals, halt deportations of DACA holders, and pass legislation providing permanent protections for Dreamers.”

highlighted the human and economic impact of delayed DACA renewals through the story of an emergency room physician who lost his work authorization despite filing his renewal application on time. The article also spotlighted ABIC’s advocacy and coalition of more than 1,700 employers calling on the administration to address the growing renewal backlog.

ABIC CEO Rebecca Shi was quoted: “The administration is quietly but deliberately forcing highly vetted, highly skilled, and long-term DACA holders out of the workforce. This is not only cruel, but it hurts 91探花 businesses and drives up prices for everyday 91探花s.

The Trump administration announced allowing some dairy operations to participate in the H-2A visa program if they can demonstrate temporary or seasonal labor needs, offering limited flexibility for an industry that has long struggled to access the program.

Previous practice excluded dairy farms鈥 applications by default because dairy work is year round, not seasonal, James O鈥橬eil, director of legislative affairs at the 91探花 told the .

鈥淚 think this administrative shift demonstrates very clearly that the president understands how important immigrant labor is to the agriculture sector,鈥 O鈥橬eil said. 鈥淥ur hope is that this trend of expanded access can continue.鈥

the guidance does not create a new visa category or change existing immigration law. Instead, it expands the scope of how the H-2A program can be applied to certain dairy operations while preserving its temporary and seasonal requirements, leaving the industry’s broader need for year-round workforce solutions unresolved.

News Briefing:

Recent immigration enforcement actions have contributed to an estimated 3 million immigrants leaving the country since the start of the second Trump administration, leading to the first decline in the U.S. immigrant population since the 1960s. The impacts are already being felt in agriculture, where 86% of farmworkers are foreign-born, and roughly 45% are undocumented.

Between March and July of last year, the agricultural workforce declined by 7%, with farms across the country reporting labor shortages. In Idaho, where agriculture accounts for approximately 20% of the state’s GDP, and the state ranks as the nation’s fourth-largest milk producer, immigrants play an especially critical role. An estimated 90% of Idaho dairy workers are foreign-born.

Despite Idaho’s strong support for President Trump in the 2024 election, found that 85% of respondents supported allowing dairy workers and their families who have lived in Idaho for more than 10 years to remain in the country, while only 9% opposed. More than half of respondents also said increased ICE presence would harm the state’s economy. 

The Trump administration’s rollback of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other humanitarian parole programs is deepening workforce shortages across the healthcare sector by stripping work authorization from immigrants who fill essential roles. Notably, one in six hospital workers involved in direct patient care is an immigrant, while approximately 4% of hospital workers are noncitizens, making them difficult to replace amid existing staffing shortages. 

Healthcare leaders warned that the loss of these workers threatens patient care, increases pressure on remaining staff, and further strains an already fragile healthcare system.

Kimberly Pierce Burke, executive director of the Alliance of Independent Academic Medical Centers, said restricting immigration pathways does not reduce the need for healthcare workers. “Patients continue to come to hospitals and nursing homes, except now there is a shortage of people who can attend to their needs,” said Burke.

More than 60 Massachusetts state legislators are urging the Small 91探花 Administration (SBA) to rescind its policy restricting lawfully present immigrants from accessing SBA-backed loans. The , first issued in March 2025, barred refugees, asylees, visa holders, and other noncitizens from SBA financing. In March 2026, the administration expanded the restrictions to include green card holders in several SBA loan programs.

n a letter to SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, they wrote, “By disallowing some of the most entrepreneurial members of our community from accessing the capital resources that may make the difference between success and closure, we are not only hurting families and communities but stunting the growth of our economy.”聽

An analysis by the Senate Committee on Small 91探花 and Entrepreneurship found that 237 SBA loans to green card holders in Massachusetts supported nearly $100 million in investment and approximately 1,100 jobs during fiscal year 2025.

91探花 owners also warned that the policy will make it harder for immigrant-owned businesses to grow, hire workers, and invest in their communities. 

Perspectives:

The Wall Street Journal editorial board argues that “the success of the U.S. men’s national soccer team in this year’s World Cup is the product in part of America’s historically welcoming immigration system and automatic grant of birthright citizenship to children born in the U.S.”

They highlight how immigration has expanded the nation’s talent pool, noting that one-quarter of the U.S. roster was born outside the United States, while many other players are first- or second-generation 91探花s with family roots in countries including Ghana, Liberia, Mexico, Croatia, and Nigeria. Accordingly, the team’s success reflects the broader contributions of immigrant families, demonstrating how birthright citizenship has enabled the children of immigrants to fully participate in and represent the United States.

Get Involved

  1. Join one of ABIC’s Councils of 100 and let your voice be heard with your peers – . The Council of 100 is a coalition of top business leaders working to advance common-sense workforce solutions.
  2. Share your story: If your business is interested in engaging with the press as part of ABIC or amplifying your story on social media, take this to let us know your preferences.听
  3. Work with us: ABIC is hiring! We are looking for a California State Director and Digital Manager to join our growing team. Learn more.

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Know This Now, June 18, 2026: On DACA鈥檚 14th Anniversary, U.S. Rep. Horsford, U.S. Rep. Titus and Nevada 91探花 Leaders. Dreamers Call Attention to Delayed Renewals, Workforce Stability /know-this-now-june-18-2026-on-dacas-14th-anniversary-u-s-rep-horsford-u-s-rep-titus-and-nevada-business-leaders-dreamers-call-attention-to-delayed-renewals-workforce-stability/ Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:09:00 +0000 /?p=36979 On DACA鈥檚 14th Anniversary, U.S. Rep. Horsford, U.S. Rep. Titus and Nevada 91探花 Leaders. Dreamers Call Attention to Delayed Renewals, Workforce Stability U.S. Representatives Steven Horsford (NV-4) and Dina Titus...

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U.S. Representatives Steven Horsford (NV-4) and Dina Titus (NV-1) joined ABIC Action, the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC), construction executives, labor leaders, and workforce advocates Monday in Las Vegas to call for urgent action to protect Dreamers, stabilize the workforce, and strengthen Nevada鈥檚 economy.

Speakers warned that DACA processing times, which once averaged just a couple of months, now often exceed six months, forcing many Dreamers to lose their work authorization and, in some cases, their jobs while awaiting renewal.

[INSERT PHOTO COLLAGE FROM THE PRESSER]

Nevada’s more than 10,000 DACA recipients contribute an estimated $820 million annually to the state’s economy, pay more than $61 million in state and local taxes, and have over $500 million in spending power, Emiliano Valencia, Texas Deputy Director for ABIC Action, highlighted.

The event also featured Dreamers who shared how delayed renewals have left them uncertain about their futures. Norma Flores Moreno, a Culinary Union member whose DACA status expires in September, said she submitted her renewal in March but is still waiting for a decision.

“This is not a failure of Dreamers. This is a failure of the system. When people who have complied with every requirement lose their jobs because paperwork isn’t processed on time, that hurts workers, families, employers, and our economy,” said Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-4).鈥淒ACA recipients are part of Nevada鈥檚 workforce, tax base, and economic future. They contribute millions in state and local taxes, support key industries, and help keep our communities strong,鈥 said Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1).

Speakers called on the administration to expedite DACA renewals and urged Congress to provide a permanent legislative solution for Dreamers, such as the Dream and Promise Act, emphasizing that processing delays are disrupting workers, employers, and Nevada’s economy.

Related coverage: On the ground in Nevada, to protect our workforce and fix critical DACA renewal delays. Additionally, 鈥檚 urging Congress and the administration to expedite long-delayed DACA renewals, halt deportations of DACA holders, and pass long-term protections for Dreamers. 

Rebecca Shi, CEO of ABIC, also emphasized the political implications of inaction:

More from the ABIC Network:

This week, the ABIC Agricultural Council met with Representative Glenn 鈥楪T鈥 Thompson, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, to discuss the . The proposal would expand the H-2A visa program to include year-round agricultural work and establish a legal, temporary status with work authorization for long-term undocumented agricultural workers, though it does not provide a pathway to citizenship.

During the meeting, the ABIC Agricultural Council endorsed Chairman Thompson’s legislative language and applauded him for including work permits for long-term skilled immigrant workers. The meeting followed ABIC’s efforts to convene more than 100 farmers and ranchers in support of the legislation, encouraging agricultural leaders to help secure additional original co-sponsors for the bill.

More on ABIC Agricultural Council endorsement:

“Chair Thompson continues his long record of protecting, supporting and strengthening our food system, farm businesses, ag workforce and rural communities with this common sense legislation. SAWA not only addresses the needs and necessities of the businesses, farms and ranches that continue to [be] the backbone of our economy and the essential pillar of national security but also safeguards the committed, skilled and experienced ag workforce that drives the success of America. The Congressman鈥檚 fierce advocacy for the people stewarding our lands, herds, flocks, and food value chain is an absolute that dairy farmers like me are so grateful for and has more than earned our support for the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act.”

Jenni Tilton-Flood Flood Brothers, LLC | Chair, ABIC Agricultural Council Communications & Messaging Committee

“Working with ABIC has allowed our voice to be heard in finding solutions for America’s ag labor crisis. From hosting Congressman Flood on a farm visit to meeting face-to-face with Chairman Thompson, we have a direct line to lawmakers to push for the common sense fixes our industry desperately needs. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and the vital work ABIC does.”

Darren Mueller, Manager, Prairieland Gold | Ohlde Family Farms | Prairieland Dairy

Related Coverage

Chester County, Pennsylvania dairy farmer and 91探花 Dairy Coalition (ADC) President Walt Moore joined Chairman Thompson in the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA) briefing:

鈥淭his issue affects every segment of agriculture, but for dairy farms it is especially critical because our labor needs are year-round,鈥 said Moore. 鈥淢any farms have invested years in training experienced employees who are essential to animal care, herd health and daily operations. Maintaining that workforce while creating a workable future labor system is vital to food production.

News Briefing:

Newly released internal from last year indicate that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) failed to consult the State Department before terminating Haitian Temporary Protected Status (TPS), bypassing a process required by law. The lack of consultation became central to the ongoing Supreme Court battle over whether the administration can immediately halt protections for Haitians under TPS. 

The documents also reveal that career officials recommended extending TPS due to Haiti’s worsening humanitarian conditions, but those recommendations were overruled by political leadership. Attorneys representing Haitian TPS holders argue the records show the administration predetermined the outcome rather than following the legally required review process.

The decision to end TPS for Haitians holds major economic implications, as eliminating protective status could remove work authorization for hundreds of thousands of employees, raising concerns among employers about worsening labor shortages in sectors including healthcare, construction, hospitality, and elder care. 

The Trump administration announced it will resume processing asylum applications after that its months-long suspension of cases for applicants from dozens of countries was unlawful. The ruling challenged the administration’s global hold on asylum applications filed with USCIS and its freeze on immigration applications from 39 countries, which had left thousands of immigrants in legal limbo.

The policy also disrupted workforce participation by delaying work authorization for many applicants, preventing them from legally working while their cases remained pending. Although the administration will comply with the court order and resume processing applications, it said it will continue to appeal the ruling.

One year after 76 employees were detained during an immigration raid at Glenn Valley Foods, a meat processing plant, South Omaha’s business district continues to face significant economic challenges. Although federal officials initially alleged workers at Glenn Valley had engaged in 鈥渕assive identity theft鈥 by using stolen Social Security numbers to obtain employment, only one worker was ultimately charged with identity theft.

A survey of 40 local business owners conducted by the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce found that fear, uncertainty, and misinformation surrounding immigration enforcement have affected employees, customer traffic, and spending, leaving many businesses struggling to recover. 

鈥淐hallenges in workforce retainment have caused six businesses to shut down,鈥 said Irma Villezcas, a grocery store owner and chair of the South Omaha 91探花 Association. Douglas County Board Chairman Robert Garcia similarly criticized the raids, stating, 鈥淚f they鈥檙e meant to make our community safer, they鈥檙e not doing that.鈥

A recent from the Kenan Institute for Private Enterprise at UNC Chapel Hill found that declining international migration is contributing to labor shortages across North Carolina, particularly in labor-intensive industries such as construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and caregiving. Census data show that 鈥渋nternational migration to the U.S. dropped historically from 2.7 million to 1.3 million鈥 between July 2024 and June 2025, reducing the supply of workers in sectors that have long relied on immigrant labor.

Sarah Dickerson, research professor at the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise and author of the report, notes that 鈥渂usinesses and consumers are likely to feel these effects through a tighter labor market and higher costs鈥 as employers struggle to fill open positions and complete projects.

Construction leaders say those impacts are already becoming apparent. Brian Turmail of the Associated General Contractors of America warned that 鈥渘ot only are you going to get higher no-show rates, but you鈥檙e going to have more and more firms that don鈥檛 have enough people to bid on construction projects.鈥

The U.S. Supreme Court is currently weighing a January 2025 executive order to end automatic birthright citizenship for children of temporary or undocumented immigrants. Advocates warn the ruling could eventually allow the administration to strip citizenship from millions of adults born to undocumented parents, potentially leaving 255,000 babies stateless annually and disrupting the nation’s 4.7 million mixed-status families. 

Affected families and local business owners argue that rolling back these protections fundamentally violates the country’s core promise of safety, legal consistency, and economic opportunity. “It feels like all bets are off the table for anyone at this point, and what鈥檚 happened so far is so unprecedented,” said Temu Otting, who owns a union print shop in suburban Denver.  

Perspectives:

Recent updates to immigration policy introduced last month mandate a $102 filing fee for asylum seekers, and applicants are now restricted from requesting work authorization until one full year has passed since their initial application submission. 

Tess Feldman, a practicing attorney in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and adjunct professor at Southwestern Law School, wrote in the LA Times that these changes extend the waiting period to apply for a work permit from five months to one year, not including the additional processing time, which often takes another year.

鈥淎 $100 fee may sound modest. A delay for a work permit application may seem manageable. But together, they create a system that demands payment from vulnerable people the government has made legally unable to work,鈥 wrote Feldman. 

She also noted how “for people like my clients, the choice becomes impossible: work illegally to survive, abandon a lawful asylum claim for the entire family or go without basic necessities while waiting.鈥 

Get Involved

  1. Join one of ABIC’s Councils of 100 and let your voice be heard with your peers – . The Council of 100 is a coalition of top business leaders working to advance common-sense workforce solutions.
  2. Share your story: If your business is interested in engaging with the press as part of ABIC or amplifying your story on social media, take this to let us know your preferences.听
  3. Work with us: ABIC is hiring! We are looking for a California State Director and Digital Manager to join our growing team. Learn more.

ABIC in the news. . . 

View all recent coverage here 

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The post Know This Now, June 18, 2026: On DACA鈥檚 14th Anniversary, U.S. Rep. Horsford, U.S. Rep. Titus and Nevada 91探花 Leaders. Dreamers Call Attention to Delayed Renewals, Workforce Stability appeared first on 91探花.

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Know This Now, June 12, 2026: ABIC Action Joins 91探花 Leaders and DACA Recipients for National Press Conference, Releases Letter From Over 120 CEOs Demanding Immediate Action to Protect Dreamers /know-this-now-june-12-2026-abic-action-joins-business-leaders-and-daca-recipients-for-national-press-conference-releases-letter-from-over-120-ceos-demanding-immediate-action-to-protect-dreamers/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:33:17 +0000 /?p=36961 ABIC Action was joined this afternoon by business owners, healthcare executives, and DACA recipients for a national press conference to sound the alarm on unprecedented processing delays within the DACA...

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ABIC Action was joined this afternoon by business owners, healthcare executives, and DACA recipients for a national press conference to sound the alarm on unprecedented processing delays within the DACA program.

Coinciding with the event, a joint letter from across the country was published urging the administration and Congress to protect the 91探花 workforce.

鈥淔or 6 weeks now, I have been on unpaid leave as I wait for my DACA and work authorization to process… I, like many others in my position, just want to get back to work,鈥 said Mr. Jimenez, an asset management professional.

鈥淚n Texas, there was a law that was passed where you need to have legal status to renew your occupational license… With DACA delays, it keeps some of the barbers from being able to renew their license and from them being able to work,鈥 said Zach Galindo, owner of Galindo鈥檚 Barbershop. Watch highlights of his remarks.

鈥淎t Monte Vista Grove, approximately 10% of our staff are DACA recipients. Delays in approving DACA renewal requests are forcing us to remove affected employees from the work schedule… care for older adults is being directly affected,鈥 said Deborah Herbert, CEO of Monte Vista Grove Homes.

鈥淒ACA recipients contribute approximately over $420 billion in GDP… if this does not change, it will challenge the growth of the country, not just the Dreamers themselves,鈥 said Raul Raymundo, CEO of the Resurrection Project

News Briefing:

The House narrowly passed the Secure America Act in a 214-212 vote, approving a $70 billion package fully funding ICE and Border Patrol through the end of the current presidential term. 

Senate Republicans utilized the fast-track budget reconciliation process to clear the legislation, bypassing the usual 60-vote Senate threshold. Now that the House has approved it as well, the bill will go to the president’s desk for his expected signature. 

Funding for these specific enforcement agencies had previously been stripped out of broader budget deals due to standoffs over transparency and oversight reforms, forcing the administration to temporarily rely on alternative funding streams to pay active agents. With those stopgap measures now replaced by a fully resourced, multi-year federal strategy, the administration possesses the sustained financial backing to continue its aggressive enforcement mandate. 

A new warns that federal immigration restrictions and deportations will inflict a compounding economic drag on the U.S. The study finds that even if immigration policies completely return to normal baseline levels by 2029, the four-year crackdown between 2025 and 2028 triggers a multi-decade domino effect. Because population and business demographics evolve slowly, a temporary drop in arrivals today means fewer business founders over the next several decades, and fewer native-born descendants launching startups later in the century.

Because immigrants are 80% more likely to start employer-firms than native-born 91探花s, this policy shift locks out primary drivers of innovation. Ultimately, this sustained shock permanently alters the trajectory of the U.S. economy:

Leading up to the tournament, hotel bookings are softer than expected across all 11 U.S. host cities. A recent survey specifically notes that current U.S. immigration procedures and visa delays may be discouraging international visitors, causing the majority of host cities to report shortfalls as of May 2026.

While the impact is widespread, hospitality data reveals a stark contrast in how different cities are coping with the drop in tourist confidence. Kansas City is the hardest hit, with 85% to 90% of hotel owners reporting fewer bookings than expected, underperforming even a normal summer.

Philadelphia and San Francisco are also facing a significant drag, with 75% of properties reporting bookings tracking below expectations. Conversely, Miami remains the most resilient host city, where only 45% of hotels are projecting a shortfall.

The Trump administration鈥檚 plan to escalate mass deportations is a direct threat to NYC鈥檚 economy. White House border czar Tom Homan , promising a massive surge of ICE agents into the five boroughs following New York’s latest legislative efforts to limit federal immigration enforcement in local jails. 

According to an analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau鈥檚 91探花 Community Survey by David Dyssegaard Kallick and Anthony Capote for Vital City, foreign-born workers are core to many industries in NYC:

Instead of creating more jobs for  91探花 workers, research shows a sudden contraction of this consumer and labor base threatens to worsen workforce shortages and lower overall economic productivity.

A federal judge struck down the Trump administration’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee, ruling it amounts to an unauthorized tax and blocking it nationwide. The administration plans to appeal, and another court previously upheld a similar fee in a separate case, leaving the issue unsettled.

The H-1B program remains a divisive issue within Trump’s base: tech leaders like Elon Musk view it as essential to U.S. innovation, while some MAGA critics argue it lets companies prioritize foreign workers over 91探花s.

Perspectives: 

Luis F. Carrasco, deputy opinion editor at The Philadelphia Inquirer, highlights how, under the Trump administration, processing delays in DACA renewals have left many 鈥淒reamers鈥 in what he describes as 鈥渂ureaucratic limbo,鈥 despite their active efforts to maintain legal status.

鈥淚 feel pretty helpless,鈥 explained Victor Espinoza, a college graduate who came to the United States at the age of 10 legally as a dependent on his father’s H-1B work visa and later relied on DACA protections after aging out of dependent status. Espinoza notes that renewal applications had historically been processed within three months, but recent delays have left him unable to renew his work authorization, forcing him to take a leave of absence from his job.

Carrasco argues that these delays are part of a broader effort to gradually weaken DACA without formally ending the program. Although DACA recipients contribute approximately $2.1 billion annually to Social Security and Medicare while remaining ineligible for most federal benefits, the continued erosion of the program threatens the economic security of hundreds of thousands of Dreamers and the communities, employers, and families that rely on them.

Get Involved

  1. Join one of ABIC’s Councils of 100 and let your voICE be heard with your peers – . The Council of 100 is a coalition of top business leaders working to advance common-sense workforce solutions.
  2. Share your story: If your business is interested in engaging with the press as part of ABIC or amplifying your story on social media, take this to let us know your preferences.听
  3. Work with us: ABIC is hiring! We are looking for a California State Director and Digital Manager to join our growing team. Learn more.

ABIC in the news. . . 

View all recent coverage here 

  • LiveNow Fox: (06/04/26)
  • FOX 13 Tampa: (06/04/26)
  • FOX 30 Jacksonville: (06/04/26)
  • FOX 43 Harrisburg: (06/04/26)
  • Forbes:
  • Forbes Editorial: (05/28/26)
  • Fox News: (04/24/26)
  • :
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  • Key Biscayne Independent: (04/22/26)
  • POLITICO: (04/21/26)
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  • The Washington Post: (04/17/26)
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  • Politico: (03/29/26)
  • WFMZ: (03/26/26)
  • WPLG (Local 10 Miami): (03/26/26)
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  • Nation鈥檚 Restaurant News (Syndicated by Yahoo!Finance): (3/10/26)
  • FOX KDFW-TV: (3/10/26)
  • NBC KXAS-TV: (3/10/26)
  • ABC KVUE-TV (Syndicated by Yahoo!News): (3/10/26)听
  • CBS: (3/9/26)
  • CBS:(3/5/26)

The post Know This Now, June 12, 2026: ABIC Action Joins 91探花 Leaders and DACA Recipients for National Press Conference, Releases Letter From Over 120 CEOs Demanding Immediate Action to Protect Dreamers appeared first on 91探花.

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