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The migrant workforce under Trump

Feb 5, 2025

Ted Genoways, a reporter for the Food and Environment Reporting Network, sheds light on the critical role of immigrant workers in the U.S. economy, especially in meatpacking. He discusses how Trump’s deportation plans sow fear among these workers and the potential disruption to the food supply. Genoways explains the implications for food companies that exploit labor and how political policies could lead to increased food prices. The conversation also touches on U.S. policies affecting aid to Cuba, blending economic insight with compelling anecdotes.

27:11

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Episode guests

Ted Genoways

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Quick takeaways

Immigrant workers are essential to the U.S. economy, making up a significant portion of the labor force in key industries like food production.

Trump's deportation plans could severely disrupt food supply chains, leading to increased prices and potential closures of essential processing plants.

Deep dives

Impact of Immigration Policy on the Labor Market

The discussion highlights how immigration policy, particularly under recent presidential agendas, can significantly affect the labor market in the U.S. A large portion of industries, including construction and food services, heavily rely on immigrant workers, both documented and undocumented. For instance, it is estimated that around 25% of the construction workforce and over half of the food industry is composed of immigrant labor. The removal of these workers could disrupt essential services and impact economic stability, especially in sectors that depend on their labor for infrastructure and food production.

Intro

4min

The Immigrant Workforce and U.S. Food Supply

18min

The Impact of Immigration Policies on the Migrant Workforce

2min

Impact of U.S. Policy on Cuban Aid Programs

3min

Unexpected Musical Discoveries and Grammy Recognition

2min

It’s hard to overstate the role immigrant workers play in the U.S. economy. Key industries rely on them — nearly half of meat-processing jobs, for instance, are held by immigrants. And many work in low-wage jobs that are vulnerable to exploitation.

Ted Genoways, a reporter with the Food and Environment Reporting Network, said President Donald Trump’s promises of mass deportations is creating fear and uncertainty for immigrant workers, both authorized and unauthorized, as well as for the massive food companies that employ them.

“If history is any guide, this will probably mean increased food prices, if only for companies trying to hedge against the possibility of something disastrous happening,” said Genoways.

On today’s show, Genoways gives us a snapshot of the low-wage immigrant workforce’s role in our economy and unpacks how Trump’s deportation plans could disrupt America’s food supply. Plus, why aren’t food companies held accountable for exploiting their employees?

And, we’ll get into what restrictions on the U.S. Agency for International Development could mean for Cuba. Plus, would you trust Kai with the aux?

Here’s everything we talked about today: