TRUMP GETS WOKE
TURNS OUT AMERICA RUNS ON IMMIGRANTS (WHO KNEW?)
Well, folks, it seems that Donald J. Trump has had something of an epiphany. You know, the kind of "a-ha" moment the rest of us had years ago. The former president recently acknowledged that his hardline immigration policies might—brace yourselves—be hurting American industries. Specifically, farming and hospitality. Shocking, right? It’s like discovering water is wet or that eating Taco Bell at midnight might not end well. But hey, better late than never!
For years, Trump has championed a tough-on-immigration stance, complete with border walls, deportation raids, and enough anti-immigrant rhetoric to make even Stephen Miller blush. But now, reality seems to have smacked him in the face like a rogue golf ball at Mar-a-Lago. Turns out, America’s crops don’t harvest themselves, and hotel beds don’t magically make themselves either. Who could’ve guessed? (Spoiler: pretty much everyone except Trump and his inner circle.)
The Great Immigration Crackdown: A Self-Inflicted Wound
Let’s rewind a bit to Trump’s immigration policies that aimed to Make America Great Again by… deporting the very people who keep it running. His administration ramped up workplace raids, targeting industries like agriculture, meat processing, and hospitality—industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor. And by "heavily," I mean *heavily*. Over 40% of crop workers and up to 90% of meat processing workers in some states are undocumented immigrants. Without them, these industries are about as functional as a flip phone in 2025.
The result? Labor shortages galore. Farmers watched their crops rot in the fields because there wasn’t anyone to pick them. Hotels struggled to keep up with demand because, surprise, guests don’t check in expecting to make their own beds or fold their own towels. It’s a little hard to "Make America Great Again" when no one’s around to milk the cows or clean the bathrooms.
A Policy Pivot (Sort Of)
In a rare moment of self-awareness—or perhaps just a realization that his hotels need staff—Trump hinted at a potential policy adjustment. He floated the idea of allowing undocumented workers to leave the country and then return legally if vouched for by their employers. It’s like deportation with a round-trip ticket! While this idea might sound like common sense to some, it’s worth noting that it comes after years of policies that created the problem in the first place. Classic Trump: break the vase, then offer to glue it back together while blaming someone else for the mess.
Of course, this newfound "compassion" doesn’t extend to all immigrants. Trump made it clear he still wants to kick out the "criminals" (a term he often uses loosely). So, if you’re an undocumented worker who’s been peacefully harvesting strawberries or scrubbing hotel floors for decades, you might get a pass—if your boss vouches for you. But if you so much as jaywalked in 1997? Watch out.
The Hypocrisy Is Richer Than Trump’s Taste in Dรฉcor
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the irony here. The Trump Organization itself has a history of employing undocumented workers. Yes, you heard that right. The man who built a political career railing against illegal immigration has benefited from it firsthand. From construction crews to hotel staff, undocumented workers have long been part of Trump’s empire. It’s almost poetic… if poetry were written by someone who didn’t see the glaring contradictions in their own life.
Critics have been quick to point out this hypocrisy, accusing Trump of creating a crisis and then pretending to solve it. It’s like setting your house on fire and then patting yourself on the back for calling the fire department.
California Pushes Back
Unsurprisingly, California—home to some of the nation’s largest agricultural operations—has been particularly vocal about the damage caused by Trump’s immigration crackdown. Governor Gavin Newsom and agricultural groups have condemned the raids and deportations, emphasizing how vital immigrant workers are to the state’s economy. Santa Clara County alone relies on about 8,000 agricultural workers, most of whom are foreign-born. In 2023, the county’s agricultural production value hit $371 million—a number that would plummet without immigrant labor.
California isn’t alone in its criticism. Lawmakers, unions, and advocacy groups across the country have spoken out against the aggressive deportation policies, citing harm to communities and businesses alike. Even some Republicans are urging Trump to focus on removing criminals rather than peaceful, long-term residents who contribute to the economy.
The Bigger Picture
This whole debacle highlights a larger truth: America runs on immigrants. Always has, always will. From the fields to the factories to the front desks of hotels, immigrant workers are the backbone of countless industries. Without them, our economy would grind to a halt faster than you can say "executive order."
Historically, even conservative administrations have adjusted immigration policies to support key industries. But Trump’s approach has been more… let’s call it "chaotic." One minute he’s railing against immigrants; the next, he’s acknowledging their importance—while still doubling down on mass deportations. It’s like watching someone try to drive with one foot on the gas and the other on the brake.
The Road Ahead
So where does this leave us? Well, Trump has promised an executive order with a "common sense" approach to immigration—a phrase that might make some people spit out their coffee. But whether this represents a genuine shift in policy or just another attempt to save face remains to be seen.
One thing is clear: America can’t afford to ignore the contributions of immigrant workers any longer. Whether Trump likes it or not (and let’s be real, he probably doesn’t), immigrants are essential to our economy and communities. Maybe it’s time we started treating them that way.
In the meantime, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the irony of Trump getting "woke" on immigration—just as long as no one tells him what "woke" actually means.
What The Hell? – Mother Jones https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/06/trump-immigration-ice-truth-social-what-the-hell-reverse/
Judge issues a temporary ruling against Trump using the National Guard in LA : NPR https://www.npr.org/2025/06/12/nx-s1-5429752/trump-newsom-california-national-guard-ice-immigration
Trump may shield undocumented farm workers from deportation - San Josรฉ Spotlight https://sanjosespotlight.com/trump-may-shield-undocumented-farm-workers-from-his-deportation/
Trump says immigration crackdown is taking workers from farms and hotels https://www.axios.com/2025/06/12/trump-immigration-enforcement-farms-hotels
