NABTU President Criticizes Use of E-Visas for TSMC Plant in Arizona

Debate Arises Over Use of Foreign Labor at Arizona's TSMC Plant

Washington, D.C. – January 7, 2025 – Recent developments at the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) plant in Arizona have ignited a debate over the employment of foreign workers in U.S. construction projects. According to reports and statements from TSMC, around half of the workforce at the facility is sourced from Taiwan, utilizing the E-visa program.

Sean McGarvey, President of North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), has voiced concerns about the situation, emphasizing that the E-visa program is not designed for construction workers. McGarvey argues that the H-2B visa, which requires the U.S. Department of Labor to verify the lack of qualified U.S. workers before issuing visas, is the appropriate route for construction labor.

"U.S. construction workers possess the skills and qualifications necessary to construct the fab plants in Arizona and across the United States," McGarvey stated. He highlighted the adverse impacts of foreign labor importation on American workers, describing it as a practice that could undermine the intended benefits of U.S. chip plant investments for domestic employment.

Further concerns have been raised regarding the labor standards applied to these foreign workers and their employers. Questions about tax compliance, occupational safety certifications, and adherence to prevailing wage standards are at the forefront, especially given that TSMC is utilizing taxpayer-funded grants for plant construction.

McGarvey called on the federal government to address these issues, urging U.S. agencies such as the Commerce Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and the State Department to reinforce their commitment to American workers. He stressed the importance of prioritizing job opportunities for U.S. citizens to ensure national security and support pathways to the middle class for American workers.

For more details or inquiries, please contact Betsy Barrett at (202) 997-3266 or email comms@nabtu.org.