President Trump Floats Plan to Prevent Deportation of Illegal Farm Workers
Last week during an event in Iowa, President Trump announced that the White House, in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, will propose a process that would allow farmers to advocate on behalf of workers facing deportation, so they can remain in the U.S. The president also said that legislation for the measure is currently being drafted.
The president’s comments directly contradict with statements from administration officials who said last month that the administration is not seeking carveouts for the agriculture and hospitality industries. The clarification came days after the White House directed ICE and Department of Homeland Security officials to pause raids and arrests in the agricultural industry, hotels and restaurants. In mid-June, White House "border czar" Tom Homan said worksite raids in those industries would continue “on a prioritized basis.”
Senate Republicans Prepare to Unveil Independent Contractor Benefits Legislation
Today, Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Chair Bill Cassidy (R-La.) will unveil a legislative package that would allow gig worker employers to offer their independent contractors portable health and retirement benefits without triggering full-time employment obligations. The Unlocking Benefits for Independent Workers Act would prevent voluntary benefits from factoring into how the Department of Labor classifies workers. The bill is part of a legislative package from Sen. Cassidy, along with Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.). Scott’s legislation would create a uniform test for determining worker classification.
The Department of Labor is also planning a repeal of a Biden-era regulation that would make it easier for an independent contractor to be reclassified as employees.
