Employing the undocumented

How do employers hire undocumented immigrants and what are the laws surrounding this practice? Also, we hear about Trump's use of undocumented labor on his properties.

Air Date: January 30, 2019 10:00 am

This photo taken Oct. 16, 2014, shows a farmer during harvesting of the grain milo just outside the town of Yuma in eastern Colorado. This small farming hamlet of 3,200 near the Nebraska border is home to an increasing number of Latino immigrants, drawn to work in the nearby corn and hog farms. The immigration issue represents a dilemma for Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Colo. in his race against Democratic Sen. Mark Udall in the only state among the dozen or so in play in this year's midterm election race with both a competitive Senate race and a sizable population of Hispanic voters. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

Guests: David Fahrenthold, David Leopold, Alex Nowrasteh

President Trump has been accused of hypocrisy by his critics because of his anti-illegal immigrant rhetoric while employing undocumented immigrants at his various properties including his golf clubs in New Jersey and New York. But hiring undocumented workers is a common practice in large sections of the American economy, such as hotels, restaurants, seasonal labor, and construction. We’ll begin today’s show talking with The Washington Post’s DAVID FAHRENTHOLD about his continuing coverage of Trump’s use of undocumented labor, and the recent revelation that one of Trump’s golf courses fired several workers for being in the country illegally. Then, we’ll talk with ALEX NOWRASTEH of the CATO Institute and immigration lawyer DAVID LEOPOLD, about how businesses end up hiring undocumented workers, the laws surrounding this practice, and the politics behind it.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.