Trump Introduces Plan to Legalize Return of Undocumented Farm and Hospitality Workers

By Joseph & Hall PC | April 2025

At an April 10, 2025 cabinet meeting, President Trump proposed a new immigration approach aimed at addressing labor shortages in agriculture and hospitality. Under the suggested policy, undocumented workers currently in the U.S. could voluntarily depart the country and return with legal status—if an employer is willing to vouch for them.

“We need to take care of our farmers, our hotels, and other industries that rely on these workers,” Trump stated during the meeting. He explained that under the proposal, employers could submit letters of support for undocumented workers, affirming their work ethic and value to the business. Those endorsements could serve as the basis for allowing the individuals to re-enter the U.S. legally after departure.

“They’ll go out, and then we’ll bring them back in as legal workers,” Trump said. “We’re going to slow it down a little for them, but ultimately help them come back the right way.”

The president emphasized that the plan is designed to incentivize undocumented workers to cooperate voluntarily with immigration enforcement, rather than risk being permanently barred from returning. “If they go out in a nice way,” he added, “we’ll work with them from the start to bring them back legally.” He noted that individuals who fail to leave within a designated window—potentially 60 days—may forfeit the chance to return at all.

Though still in early stages and not yet formalized into policy, the idea reflects the administration’s effort to balance its tough immigration stance with the economic needs of key sectors. Reactions from immigration advocates and business groups are likely to follow, as the details and feasibility of the plan come into clearer focus.