Mass Deportations Are a Workforce Issue—Let’s Talk About It
The Silence on LinkedIn and Why It Matters
Mass deportations are happening right now. Thousands of people—people who have spent years building lives, businesses, and careers in the U.S.—are being ripped from their homes. Families are being torn apart. Workers are disappearing from industries that rely on them. And yet, on LinkedIn? There’s little discussion.
But let’s be clear: mass deportations are absolutely a workplace issue.
Why This Belongs in Professional Conversations
We often discuss “talent pipelines,” “skills gaps,” and “economic growth,” but when thousands of workers are forcibly removed from their jobs, the conversation is noticeably absent in many professional spaces.
Immigrants are the backbone of the workforce. As of 2023, immigrants make up nearly 17% of the U.S. labor force. Deportations don’t just affect individuals; they disrupt entire industries. In construction alone, 14% of workers are undocumented—removing them grinds projects to a halt. (American Immigration Council)
The economic hit is massive. A mass deportation policy would shrink the U.S. economy by $1.6 trillion and slash GDP by up to 6.8%. In 2022, undocumented households contributed $46.8 billion in federal taxes. Deportation isn’t just cruel—it’s bad business. (American Immigration Council)
Real people. Real impact. Like Howard Dean Bailey, a U.S. Navy veteran deported to Jamaica over an old marijuana charge, despite having a family and business here. Policies like these don’t just target “criminals”—they target communities. (Immigrant Defense Project)
Why Aren’t We Talking About This on LinkedIn?
Upon reviewing LinkedIn, it appears that discussions on mass deportations are notably scarce. This absence is concerning, especially given the significant impact such actions have on the workforce and economy. While LinkedIn has traditionally been a platform centered around career growth and business insights, it’s also a space where we discuss challenges that affect the workforce.
Ignoring this issue doesn’t make it go away. Mass deportations affect industries, businesses, and professionals across the board. If we want to be part of meaningful discussions about the future of work, we must also talk about the policies that are actively reshaping it.
To bridge this gap, professionals should initiate and engage in conversations about the implications of mass deportations. By doing so, we foster a more inclusive and informed professional community—one that acknowledges and addresses the challenges impacting our workforce.
For a comprehensive understanding of the current mass deportation plans and their potential effects, check out this detailed article:
A Day Without Immigrants – Monday, February 3, 2025
This issue is not just theoretical—it’s real, and it’s happening now. In response to mass deportations, workers and communities are mobilizing with “A Day Without Immigrants” on Monday, February 3, 2025.
This national protest is a call for action:
🔹 No work 🔹 No shopping 🔹 No school
Immigrants are an essential part of the workforce and economy. This movement is a powerful reminder of what happens when immigrant labor and contributions are erased.
If you’re an employer, leader, or ally, consider how your workplace can show support. That might mean openly acknowledging the protest, protecting immigrant employees, or even engaging in conversations about immigration policies affecting the workforce.
DEI Matters—But Only If We Make It Matter
This is exactly why DEI is necessary. We don’t just need diversity in hiring; we need systems that protect diverse talent. It’s not enough to “celebrate” immigrant workers—we need to advocate for their right to stay.
DEI is about more than hiring numbers. It’s about:
✅ Creating policies that protect marginalized employees—including immigrants facing deportation threats.
✅ Holding corporations accountable—ensuring that companies align their values with action.
✅ Ensuring safety for all workers—so no one has to fear losing their livelihood overnight.
What Can We Do?
1️⃣ Speak up. If you’re in HR, leadership, or hiring, acknowledge how these policies impact workers and take a stand.
2️⃣ Support immigrant employees. Provide legal resources, workplace protections, and simply acknowledge what’s happening.
3️⃣ Encourage meaningful conversations. If a company claims to champion diversity, they should engage in discussions that matter, including immigration and workforce displacement.
This is why my work at Workforce Evolution Consulting exists. Because inclusion isn’t real if we stay silent when people’s lives are on the line.
If we claim to be invested in economic growth, talent, and inclusion, we can’t selectively ignore the issues that threaten real people’s livelihoods.
Let’s break the silence.
Mass deportations are not just a policy issue—they are a workplace issue.
