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Know This Now, October 31, 2025: ‘Secure America’s Workforce’ Message Continues to Resonate, Following 200+ Meetings With Lawmakers and Press Event at Last Week’s Fly-In

By October 31, 2025November 10th, 2025No Comments

‘Secure America’s Workforce’ Message Continues to Resonate, Following 200+ Meetings With Lawmakers and Press Event at Last Week’s Fly-In

“Right now as a DACA recipient, my status here in this country is at limbo. Not only my status but also the [service] industry…we are at risk.”

Chef Byron Gomez is a partner and the chef at Michelin-starred restaurant BRUTØ in Denver, and a DACA recipient. He was one of the 190+ employers who united with ABIC from across the hospitality, agriculture, construction, eldercare/healthcare and manufacturing industries to push for work permits for our essential immigrant workers, and citizenship for Dreamers.

His remarks at our press conference have been viewed and shared widely this week on Tik Tok, Instagram and other platforms, garnering supportive responses like:

“This is what the dreamers need…successful people who talk about their situation and how much they do for the country.”

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, posted about meeting with with Iowa business leaders with ABIC and American Families United, and a post by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee on his meeting with Illinois business leaders was shared widely, among other posts by lawmakers.


A clip of U.S. Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) speaking at ABIC’s Policy Summit was heavily shared this week and sparked debate, particularly on Tik Tok. Congresswoman Salazar spoke about the bind both employers and undocumented workers get caught up in, and the need for bi-partisan solutions like the Dignity Act.

“If they are undocumented it means that they broke the law. They broke the law but someone gave them a job so that person also broke the law…So it’s a mess so let’s fix it.” – U.S. Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27)



U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) also posted a full length version of his remarks at the ABIC Policy Summit on YouTube. He emphasized the need to find a middle ground that both Republicans and Democrats can agree on, moving away from extreme positions like deporting everyone, or giving citizenship to everyone.
“Immigration reform is popular even among Republicans…talking about keeping families together…talking about people who are contributing to the economy…It’s time to move to a smarter, moderate position that does give citizenship to some people but gives status to others without citizenship.”-U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)

Lawmakers, fly-in participants, followers and supporters all continued to amplify the urgent need to modernize our immigration system, lower prices, and drive economic growth for all Americans.

More from the ABIC Network

Congressman Tom Suozzi in the NY Times: There’s Another Way to Fix Immigration

U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY-3) spoke at the Secure America’s Workforce press conference last week, just after publishing an op-ed in the NY Times arguing that the U.S. needs a balanced, bipartisan approach to immigration reform.

He emphasized cracking down on cartels and human traffickers while avoiding broad workplace and neighborhood raids that harm families, communities, and the economy. He stressed that only Congress can implement lasting solutions, combining law enforcement, humanitarian fairness, and economic stability.

News Briefing

WSJ: Inside the Tech CEO Campaign to Stop Trump From Sending Troops to San Francisco

Plans to deploy federal troops to San Francisco were dropped after outreach from Mayor Daniel Lurie and top tech CEOs, including Jensen Huang (Nvidia), Marc Benioff (Salesforce), and Sam Altman (OpenAI).

The executives arranged a call with the president, warning that enforcement overreach could destabilize the broader economy. The decision came just days before the scheduled federal deployment, with the White House later crediting the CEOs’ outreach for prompting the reversal.

Washington Times: DHS Ends Automatic Work Permit Renewals For Migrants

The Department of Homeland Security ended automatic work permit renewals, requiring all migrants to undergo full re-vetting before extensions. The move reverses a Biden-era policy granting automatic renewals while background checks were pending.

Forbes reports the change could disrupt businesses and force employers to remove authorized immigrant workers from payrolls due to expected processing delays at USCIS. 

The rule, effective immediately for applications filed after Oct. 30, eliminates both 540- and 180-day automatic extensions, meaning migrants must now apply early to avoid work authorization lapses.

Hispanics’ Views of Trump More Negative, According to a New AP-NORC Poll

President Trump’s favorability among Hispanic adults has dropped sharply, with only 25% viewing him “somewhat” or “very” favorably, down from 44% in January 2025, according to an October AP-NORC poll. Additionally, more Hispanic adults now believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, rising from 63% in March to 73%.



Politico: The Immigration Dilemma Facing Dems in 2026

Democrats are still struggling to define a coherent immigration message as they head toward the 2026 midterms. A new memo from Third Way, a centrist think tank, shows voters feel caught between “the cruelty of Trump’s policies” and the belief that Democrats can’t manage the border. Although GOP support on immigration has dipped slightly, Republicans still dominate trust on border security (66% to Democrats’ 26%).

The memo urges Democrats to avoid blanket criticism of Trump’s proposals and instead align with voter concerns about border control. Sen. Ruben Gallego’s success in Arizona is cited as a model, he engaged directly with voters on both immigration and economic issues, showing empathy while addressing enforcement.

Watch: JD Vance Calls For Reduction in Legal Immigration at Turning Point Event

At a Turning Point USA campus event at the University of Mississippi, Vice President JD Vance called for a significant slowdown in legal immigration, arguing the U.S. must reduce numbers to allow society to “cohere” and newcomers to assimilate. He criticized Biden-era policies for admitting too many immigrants, though he did not specify an exact target.

AP: Trump Administration Shakes Up ICE Leadership Across The Country In Major Overhaul

The Trump administration is reassigning at least half of the top leadership at ICE offices nationwide, including in major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington. Half of the replacements will come from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) staff, the rest from ICE.

The shake-up signals increased integration of Border Patrol agents into ICE operations. Border Patrol officers have participated in controversial raid tactics in cities far from the border, including rappelling from helicopters and using tear gas.

WSJ: U.S. Narrows Who Pays $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee

Last week, the Trump administration gave new guidance that the $100,000 H-1B visa fee will apply only to new applicants living outside the U.S., sparing those already in the country, such as international students. Previously, the fee was expected to cover nearly all new applicants. Over half of 2024’s H-1B visas went to immigrants already in the U.S., meaning many won’t be affected.

Expert Perspectives:

NY Times Editorial Board: Being Latino in the United States Should Not Be a Crime

The New York Times editorial board writes that the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown is a campaign of racial discrimination and cruelty that is violating civil liberties. 

“The Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration has become a campaign of discrimination against Latinos. Federal agents are rounding up people with brown skin, catching both U.S. citizens and legal immigrants in their dragnet.”

They write that these tactics erode public trust, rely on racial profiling and intimidation, and betray core American values. The raids have not met deportation goals and have instead spread fear while failing to solve illegal immigration. 

Bloomberg: How Will America Get the Workers It Needs?

Jonathan Levin, Bloomberg Opinion Columnist, challenged the idea that either automation or engaging segments of the U.S. population that don’t currently participate in the job market at high rates are viable solutions for the nation’s labor force needs. Facing the demographic realities will be necessary, he wrote:

“In the long run, we’ll pay more for the goods and services we produce, or maybe just create less of them if the U.S. doesn’t take seriously its rapidly aging population and establish policies that guarantee a steady pipeline of workers.”

Investigate Midwest: Trump’s Deportations Are Causing Farm Labor Issues. He Hasn’t Presented a Viable, Long-Term Solution.

Trump’s deportations and cuts to legal work programs are causing severe labor shortages in U.S. agriculture. The H-2A visa program is a temporary fix but limited and slowed by the government shutdown, leaving crops unharvested and small farms struggling, Investigate Midwest reports. Ongoing raids continue to scare away workers.



The Topeka Capital-Journal Opinion: Government by Harassment is No Way to Handle Immigration

Political science professor Michael A. Smith argues that the U.S. is using poor conditions and bureaucratic barriers to enforce policy rather than proper reform. He cites inhumane conditions at a Kansas jail where immigration detainees are pressured to “self-deport” with a $1,000 incentive. Smith calls these tactics unconstitutional and unethical, urging Congress to fix systemic problems through legislation, not intimidation.

“If Congress wishes to step up enforcement of immigration laws, let them pass a bipartisan bill addressing the longstanding shortage of immigration judges…But, intimidating people into waiving their constitutional rights…[is an] alarming example of government by harassment.”


American-Statesman Editorial Board: Texas Can’t Afford to Lose DACA Workers Like Valeria Herrera

Texas stands to lose thousands of essential workers if DACA recipients like pediatric nurse Valeria Herrera lose their work authorization under a pending court decision. The state is home to about 90,000 DACA workers who collectively contribute billions in taxes and spending power. Despite claims that DACA burdens Texas, data show recipients boost the economy. The American-Statesman Editorial Board argues that ending their ability to work would harm both individuals and the state’s economy:

“DACA recipients are not a drain on Texas. They are an asset. They are health care providers like Herrera — as well as teachers, builders, entrepreneurs and essential workers. Texas has benefited enormously from their contributions and should consider itself fortunate to have the country’s second largest DACA-eligible population.”

Miami Herald Opinion: It’s Time To Stand Up for Our Immigrant Neighbors

Four prominent Miami leaders urged their community to stand up for immigrant families facing aggressive deportation policies under the Trump administration. Leticia Callava, a former anchor for Univision and Telemundo, David Lawrence, Jr., the former publisher of the Miami Herald, Eduardo J. Padrón, president emeritus of Miami Dade College, and Michael Putney, a long-time former host of This Week in South Florida, collaborated on the op-ed.

“Every person, regardless of who they are or where they come from, is entitled to fairness and dignity before the law. That is not a partisan belief. It is an American one.”

They argued that Miami’s strength and identity are rooted in its immigrant heritage, yet many long-time residents now live in fear as families are torn apart without due process.

Local Business Impacts:
Texas Public Radio: Federal Immigration Crackdown Slowing Texas Job Growth

The federal immigration crackdown in Texas is slowing job growth, according to Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas surveys. About 40% of businesses reported migrant workers missing work due to fear of enforcement, hurting hiring and retention. Experts warn this could reduce the trained workforce, limit population-driven economic growth, and slow the state’s overall economy.

“They’re afraid to go shopping. They’re afraid to take their kids to school. They’re afraid to go to church, and perhaps most importantly right now, they are afraid to go to work,” -Madeline Zavodny, Economics Professor and Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Author

Chicago’s Restaurant Industry Struggles as Federal Immigration Agents Sweep the City

Immigration raids in Chicago have shaken the city’s restaurant industry, where immigrants make up 40% of the workforce. Owners have closed early and seen sales drop as workers and customers stay home in fear.

Some restaurants report losses of up to 30%. Industry leaders warn that “the food industry runs on immigrants,” and say these raids threaten not just workers, but the cultural and economic heart of Chicago.

“It is important to stand up for people on a human, individual level…I personally know first- or second-generation immigrants doing every vital job in our community and our city,” said Eric Carlson, who has had to reduce staff hours because of a slowdown in demand at their Cadinho Bakery.

‘Can’t Give Up’: East Tulsa Business Sales Down 40% Amid Immigration Fears

In East Tulsa, Hispanic-owned businesses are seeing sales drop by up to 40% as fears of immigration raids keep customers away. Leandro Daic, owner of 5 de Mayo Bakery, says the once-bustling community has grown quiet, with many regulars disappearing.

Other local business owners report similar struggles but are afraid to speak publicly. “We’re just here to work. We’re honest persons,” Daic said. Despite steep losses, he remains determined to keep his bakery open, saying simply, “I can’t give up.”

Get Involved

  1. Join one of ABIC’s Councils of 100 and let your voice be heard with your peers – sign up here. 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 quick survey to let us know your preferences. 
  3. We’re hiring! ABIC is looking for a National Field Director to help lead our national campaigns. Learn more and apply here.

Always available: ABIC Employer Resources Folder

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