Survey Reveals Employer Concerns Over Immigration Enforcement
Seven executives have expressed hope that the recent immigration enforcement measures by the Trump administration will influence workplaces in the coming year, as indicated by a new report released on Wednesday.
An annual survey from Littler showed that 70% of employers anticipate that the enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will have either a “significant or moderate” impact on their operations in the next year. In contrast, around 30% believe these actions won’t affect their business at all.
Furthermore, 58% of employers voiced concerns about potential staffing difficulties stemming from the president’s immigration policies, while 42% claimed they were not worried.
A separate poll of lawyers, executives, and HR professionals found that 75% of employers think changes in immigration laws will have ramifications for their businesses.
Among larger organizations with more than 10,000 employees, this concern has intensified, with 81% expecting to feel an impact.
Since Trump regained office earlier this year, his administration has intensified its crackdown on immigrants, aiming for what could be the largest deportation effort in U.S. history.
“This year’s survey indicates that employers are paying close attention to news developments, but the rising regulatory uncertainty is creating pressure,” said James A. Paretti Jr., co-chair of Littler’s Institute of Workplace Policy Research.
He added that while it may take time for the situation to stabilize, it’s prudent for employers to review their policies and consider making strategic changes in light of the evolving regulatory landscape.
Notably, 83% of employers in retail, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors are particularly focused on immigration policies from the administration, which is 8 points higher than the overall employer average of 75%.
A striking 89% of employers in retail and hospitality sectors expect the enforcement by ICE and DHS to have a moderate to significant effect on their workplaces.
This survey was conducted between late February and mid-March, encompassing responses from 349 industry experts.
