Labor Department Updates Guidance on Workforce Programs
On Thursday, the Labor Department released new guidance aimed at preventing unauthorized foreigners from accessing taxpayer-funded workforce programs and grants.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez Deremer stated that under President Trump’s leadership, the American workforce is stronger. She emphasized the administration’s commitment to the rule of law and prioritizing American workers. The updated guidance clarifies that taxpayer-funded workforce services are exclusively for individuals legally permitted to work in the United States, as mandated by federal law. This measure aims to uphold the integrity of these programs, reinforcing the administration’s dedication to protecting well-paying jobs for Americans and addressing issues related to illegal immigration.
The Labor Department’s press release highlighted that all organizations receiving funds through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and similar programs are required to verify valid work approvals before offering any participant-level services. The new guidance reverses a policy from the Biden administration that was perceived to encourage illegal immigration.
According to the press release, this guidance directs the Public Workforce Development System to update its policies and procedures for verifying work approvals and ensuring proper documentation is maintained in participants’ case files. The aim is to facilitate employers in their collaboration with the labor system, enabling them to hire skilled workers and secure necessary approvals for employment in the United States.
The Trump Labor Bureau had previously cautioned that states risk losing federal grants if they offer unemployment benefits to unauthorized foreigners.
Chavez Deremer remarked in April that it is crucial to ensure taxpayer money does not incentivize or reward illegal immigration. She reiterated that unemployment benefits are designated solely for eligible workers. To qualify, individuals must be legally authorized to seek and accept jobs in the U.S.
