Amazon warehouses across the United States are experiencing significant workforce reductions as a result of changes in U.S. immigration policy. At least hundreds of employees at Amazon facilities, including those in Florida, Massachusetts, and Staten Island, have been laid off or are at risk of being dismissed. These changes are part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to adjust the legal status of foreign workers who had previously secured temporary work permits.
According to a report by the New York Times, Amazon has informed its managers across the country that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has begun identifying affected employees. The company has warned that workers will receive push notifications via their employee app detailing the change in status. Unless employees can provide alternative forms of work authorization within five days, they will be suspended and eventually terminated. The company has also directed employees to seek assistance from free or low-cost legal services in the wake of the changes. The dismissals are part of a larger trend of job losses for foreign workers who were previously granted legal employment status through programs like the humanitarian parole initiative.
The humanitarian parole program, which allowed over 500,000 migrants from countries such as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to secure work permits, was temporarily approved by the Supreme Court on May 30. This led to a rapid transition for affected employees. On June 12, the Department of Homeland Security announced the program’s end, citing concerns over inadequate vetting and competition with American workers. Amazon’s internal communications reveal the company’s awareness of these changes, with managers being informed of the impact on their workforce on June 22.
Amazon’s spokesperson, Richard Rocha, stated the company is supporting impacted employees and has provided resources for help. The dismissals are not only affecting employees but also have financial implications for the company, as well as for the broader economy in the U.S. The company’s reliance on foreign labor has been a known factor, and the swift response from the government has created uncertainty and disruption for many workers.
Experts and advocacy groups have raised concerns about the impact of these policies on both workers and the economy. With Amazon’s workforce being a significant part of many local economies, the sudden changes in work status have created challenges for both the employees and the companies that rely on them. The situation highlights the broader implications of immigration policy changes in the U.S. and their effect on international labor markets.