Labor Crisis Hits U.S. Factories as Immigration Policy Forces Mass Exits

As President Trump ramps up immigration enforcement, workers across the country say it’s causing chaos on factory floors and straining entire industries. With more than a million immigrants at risk of losing legal status—including those protected under programs like CHNV—plants in Michigan and Kentucky are reporting slowed production, forced overtime, and serious safety concerns. Union leaders and employees describe a ripple effect hitting immigrant and non-immigrant workers alike, as staffing shortages pile up and long-standing employees vanish overnight. While the White House defends the crackdown as a push to prioritize American jobs, many on the ground say the cost is becoming too high—for families, businesses, and the U.S. economy.