As America’s farms and hotels struggle to keep their operations running, President Donald Trump is pitching a controversial idea: a temporary pass that would let undocumented workers keep their jobs legally for a set period while paying taxes and going through official checks.
What Is the Temporary Pass?
Speaking on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Trump explained that his administration is “working on it right now.” The goal is to create a system where migrant workers could register, pay taxes, and stay under the supervision of employers instead of being swept up in mass deportation raids.
“The farmer knows,” Trump said. “He is not going to hire a murderer.” He stressed that many of these workers have been on farms for years, doing jobs few Americans want. According to a USDA survey, roughly 42% of crop farm workers—about 500,000 people—are undocumented. Many are considered settled rather than seasonal migrants.
How Would It Work?
Details are still emerging. Under the proposal, undocumented workers could register with Customs and Border Patrol under the Alien Registration Act. Those who did might be given about 60 days to decide whether to voluntarily leave the country and re-enter legally through an expanded visa process.
Farmers could also vouch for longtime employees by submitting letters confirming a worker’s history and reliability. In these cases, workers might be allowed to stay temporarily while their legal status is processed.
The administration is also considering expanding the H-2A and H-2B visa programs to accommodate more seasonal farm and hospitality workers.
Many agricultural groups have praised the idea, arguing that deportations have drained the labor pool and driven up costs.
Trump’s Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, told him in a Cabinet meeting that farmers are facing high input costs and a projected $50 billion agricultural trade deficit. She said the community supports efforts to stabilize the workforce.
“They know your vision will move us into an age of prosperity for all Americans,” Rollins said. “And for the farmers and ranchers, unlike any they have seen before.”
Supporters believe a temporary pass could keep farms productive while maintaining strict border security for dangerous criminals.
Critics call the plan confusing and risky. They point out that encouraging undocumented workers to register could expose them to future deportation if policies change.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson warned that worksite enforcement remains a “cornerstone” of protecting public safety. “There will be no safe spaces for industries who harbor violent criminals or purposely try to undermine ICE’s efforts,” the statement read.
Some immigration advocates fear that requiring workers to leave and re-enter could discourage participation, especially if the process takes months or years.
Trump said the temporary pass could be available within 60 days, although it would likely take longer to finalize rules and set up the registration process. He also signaled that his administration plans to keep pushing for broader immigration reforms, including expanding visa programs and cracking down on criminal elements.
Trump summed up the dilemma in his own words: “I am the strongest immigration guy that there has ever been, but I am also the strongest farmer guy there has ever been.”
FAM Editor: This is a logical compromise for Trump, he promised to deport illegals, but he doesn’t have to deport at the expense of American agriculture. Perhaps he will find more opportunities like this.
