The President of the AFL-CIO Says She’s Committed to the Fight Against Trump’s Immigration Policies

 

In a bold stance ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler has reaffirmed her commitment to opposing former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, calling them “divisive, dangerous, and anti-worker.” As Trump gains momentum in polls and positions immigration as a core campaign theme, the nation’s largest labor federation is gearing up for a renewed fight—not just for worker rights, but for immigrant protections as well.

A Labor Movement Rooted in Solidarity

The AFL-CIO, representing more than 12.5 million workers across various unions, has long advocated for comprehensive immigration reform. Under Shuler’s leadership, the organization is doubling down on its message: immigrants are essential to the American workforce and deserve dignity, not deportation.

“Trump’s immigration agenda is a threat to working people—both immigrant and native-born,” said Shuler in a press briefing. “We will not sit silently as families are torn apart, workers are exploited, and communities live in fear.”

The Trump Immigration Agenda: A Flashpoint

Donald Trump has vowed to reinstate some of his most controversial policies if re-elected, including:

  • Mass deportations of undocumented immigrants
  • Renewed focus on building a border wall
  • Strict visa limitations for foreign workers
  • Ending birthright citizenship

These measures, according to Shuler and other labor leaders, could cripple industries that rely on immigrant labor, from construction to healthcare to agriculture.

AFL-CIO’s Strategy: Organizing and Mobilizing

To counteract what it sees as a rollback of progress, the AFL-CIO plans to:

  • Invest in voter education campaigns focused on immigrant and labor rights
  • Mobilize union members in swing states
  • Partner with grassroots immigrant rights organizations
  • Lobby for legislative safeguards to protect workers from ICE raids and discrimination

Shuler emphasized that the labor movement’s power lies in its numbers and unity. “When we stand together—Black, white, brown, immigrant or not—we win. Trump’s agenda tries to divide us, but we’re stronger when we fight back together.”

Immigrants: Backbone of the Workforce

From meatpacking plants to tech companies, immigrants form a vital part of the U.S. economy. AFL-CIO leaders argue that Trump’s harsh immigration stance not only dehumanizes people, but also threatens the economic fabric of the nation.

“Immigrant workers are union members, taxpayers, caregivers, and entrepreneurs,” said AFL-CIO’s immigration coordinator Yvette Hernandez. “Stripping away their rights weakens us all.”

Labor’s Political Muscle in 2024

With billions expected to be spent in the 2024 election cycle, the AFL-CIO has pledged to use its political influence to back candidates who support humane and pro-worker immigration policies. While traditionally aligned with the Democratic Party, the labor federation has made clear it will hold all politicians accountable—regardless of party.

“We’re not handing out blank checks,” said Shuler. “We’re demanding action. The stakes are too high.”

A Fight Beyond the Ballot

While much of the battle will unfold on the campaign trail, the AFL-CIO is also engaging in long-term advocacy. Its goals include:

  • Pathways to citizenship for undocumented workers
  • Legal protections for asylum seekers and refugees
  • Fair labor standards regardless of immigration status

As the immigration debate heats up, Shuler’s message is unwavering: “This isn’t just about politics. It’s about human rights, economic justice, and the future of America’s workforce.”

 

Shweta Sharma