AFL-CIO Files Brief Urging Supreme Court to Block Work Authorization Cuts

The labor federation and unions argued that stripping valued union members of their work authorization will cause tremendous harm to workers, workplaces and the economy

(Washington, D.C.)—In a significant move to protect immigrant workers, a coalition led by the AFL-CIO has submitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Court. This collective action seeks to counteract the Trump administration's initiative aimed at halting humanitarian parole and revoking work permits for immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. The submission includes contributions from other notable unions such as the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), United Auto Workers (UAW), UNITE HERE, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), International Union of Electrical Workers/Communications Workers of America (IUE-CWA), and International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC).

The coalition's brief argues that the proposed federal action represents the most extensive single-day withdrawal of work authorizations in the nation's history, with little to no advance notice given to those affected. It emphasizes the "unprecedented disruption" such a revocation would cause, impacting not only the immigrant workforce but the broader economy.

This legal challenge resonates with broader concerns as more than 500,000 immigrants, many of whom are legally residing and working in the U.S., face abrupt changes in their legal status. Unions highlight that removing these workers could result in severe labor shortages, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and food processing. Such disruptions could mirror the scale experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, strongly criticized the administration's moves: "The Trump administration’s attack against Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan immigrants who are here legally on humanitarian parole is an attack on all working people. Our immigrant brothers, sisters and siblings from these nations came to the United States to flee danger at home, and while here have been legally working and contributing to our economy while supporting their families." She further stressed the potential negative impacts on entire industries and communities.

The AFL-CIO's action is part of its broader advocacy efforts against policies perceived as detrimental to immigrant workers. Recently, the federation, alongside several unions, called on the Salvadoran government to release union member Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

The full amicus brief is accessible online here.

Contact: Prerna Jagadeesh, 202-637-5018