A Republican lawmaker from Texas is raising eyebrows after suggesting new legal work options for illegal immigrants — even as President Donald Trump continues to push one of the toughest immigration enforcement agendas in modern history.
Rep. Monica De La Cruz, who represents South Texas, says she plans to explore potential visa programs that would allow certain undocumented migrants to work legally in the construction industry. According to reporting from the Texas Tribune, De La Cruz intends to meet with officials from the U.S. Department of Labor following complaints from construction companies affected by immigration enforcement.
The proposal has drawn attention because it comes at a time when President Trump’s administration is carrying out large-scale immigration arrests and removals nationwide.
Construction Industry Feeling the Impact
During private meetings with builders, De La Cruz reportedly discussed the possibility of creating a construction-focused visa, similar to the H-2A program used in agriculture. That program allows foreign nationals to work legally in seasonal farm jobs when American labor is unavailable.
De La Cruz told attendees that her focus is representing South Texas businesses and maintaining economic growth in the region, even when doing so means raising concerns with federal agencies.
Local construction leaders say immigration enforcement actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement have disrupted job sites and delayed projects. More than 9,100 arrests were reportedly made in South Texas over the past year.
Mario Guerrero of the South Texas Builders Association said contractors are increasingly unsure how to respond when ICE agents arrive at worksites.
Employers Cite Labor Shortages
Ruben Mercado Jr., who runs Ipsum General Contractors, told Newsweek that concerns about possible deportation have led many workers to stop reporting to job sites.
“I’ve lost more than 25 percent of my workforce,” Mercado said. “That has affected timelines, costs, and overall productivity.”
He added that companies are often forced to hire less experienced workers at higher wages, increasing payroll expenses and slowing project completion.
Supporters of expanded work visas argue that legal pathways could stabilize the workforce and reduce uncertainty for employers. Critics counter that such programs risk encouraging future illegal immigration.
Growing Divide Among Republicans
The debate highlights a broader divide inside the GOP. While President Trump and his allies continue emphasizing border security and interior enforcement, some lawmakers are under pressure from business groups to expand temporary worker programs.
De La Cruz recently introduced legislation aimed at reforming the agricultural H-2A visa system by codifying Trump-era Department of Labor changes and adjusting wage calculations.
Meanwhile, Rep. Lloyd Smucker has introduced legislation to create a new H-2C visa for non-agricultural workers, including construction. That proposal has been referred to committee but has not advanced.
Conservatives Push Back
Immigration policy advocates on the right argue that America’s housing and infrastructure challenges are not caused by a lack of illegal labor.
Andrew Good of NumbersUSA said the nation has historically built homes and infrastructure without relying on illegal immigration.
“Mass migration has contributed to higher housing prices and wage pressure,” Good said. “Strong enforcement gives American workers and families the best chance at long-term economic stability.”
A Test for the GOP Base
With immigration remaining a top issue for voters — particularly those over age 50 — proposals that appear to soften enforcement are likely to face close scrutiny.
As President Trump continues prioritizing border security and removals, Republican lawmakers promoting expanded worker visas may find themselves navigating a politically sensitive line between economic concerns and campaign promises.