Tom Homan, the White House border czar has suggested that a shift in the Trump administration’s immigration policy could be on the horizon—at least for key sectors such as agriculture and hospitality.
Appearing on NewsNation’s Cuomo, Homan revealed that several federal agencies — including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Labor, and the Department of Agriculture — are currently discussing possible adjustments. “There will be no amnesty, the president has been clear on that,” he stated. “But people at the White House are asking: can something be done for farm workers? For hospitality employees? Discussions are underway,” The Latin Times reported.
Although Homan refrained from confirming any imminent decision, he said he expects an announcement “soon,” while noting that “ICE will abide by any policy that becomes official.”
President Trump himself mentioned earlier this month a proposal that would allow undocumented farm workers facing deportation to remain in the U.S.
Speaking at a rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, he said: “We’re going to, in a way, let the farmers decide. If a farmer is willing to vouch for someone, we’re going to say that’s enough,” The Latin Times recalled.
This initiative would be implemented in coordination with the DHS, and legislation is reportedly already being drafted. “Some of these workers have been here for years. Some farmers literally cry when they see their employees taken away by ICE,” the president acknowledged, while emphasizing that the goal is not to “strip farms of their workers.” He also raised the possibility of expanding the program to the hospitality sector, including hotels and resorts.
Trump admitted the proposal might not sit well with some on the far-right wing of his party, but defended it as necessary to sustain American agriculture. “Obviously, we’ll keep going after criminals,” he assured, adding that farmers who vouch for workers would be held accountable. “If the farmers don’t do a good job, we’ll throw them the hell out of the country. And we’ll let the illegals stay,” he said, half-seriously, half-provocatively.
These remarks stand in sharp contrast to the Trump administration’s traditionally hardline stance on immigration, but also highlight the tensions between economic realities and security priorities in immigration policy.
