Here’s What to Know About Trump’s Tariffs: What They Mean for Immigrants and New Americans

Trump’s New Tariffs and Their Impact on Immigrants

President Donald Trump’s latest executive order imposing sweeping tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China is set to shake up the U.S. economy. With higher prices, economic uncertainty, and retaliatory measures from key trading partners, these tariffs could hit immigrant and working-class communities the hardest.

What Are the New Tariffs?

Trump’s new trade measures will take effect on Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time, imposing:

✔ 25% tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico
✔ 10% tariffs on Canadian energy products
✔ 10% tariffs on imports from China

These three countries account for over a third of all U.S. imports, meaning businesses and consumers alike will feel the impact.

How Trump’s Tariffs Will Affect Immigrants and Refugees

For immigrants and refugees—many of whom work in industries that rely on trade—these tariffs could make life more difficult by increasing costs, reducing job opportunities, and creating more political uncertainty.

1. Higher Prices on Essential Goods

Food, gas, and everyday essentials will likely become more expensive as businesses pass the costs onto consumers. Immigrant families—especially those already struggling with tight budgets—will be among the first to feel the impact.

✔ Groceries Will Cost More – A large portion of fruits, vegetables, and other produce in the U.S. comes from Mexico and Canada. Expect price hikes on:

• Avocados

• Tomatoes

• Cucumbers

• Peppers

• Citrus fruits

✔ Gas Prices Will Rise – With 10% tariffs on Canadian energy, gas and electricity bills may increase significantly, especially in the Midwest, where refineries process Canadian oil.

✔ Household Goods and Appliances – Items like clothing, electronics, and kitchen appliances—many of which come from China—could see price jumps.

With inflation already a concern, these tariffs will only add to the cost-of-living crisis, disproportionately hurting immigrant and low-income communities.

2. Job Losses in Immigrant-Heavy Industries

Immigrants make up a large portion of the workforce in trade-dependent industries, including auto manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and logistics. With higher tariffs disrupting supply chains, companies may cut jobs, freeze hiring, or even shut down operations.

✔ Manufacturing & Auto Industry – Factories depend on cheap parts from Canada and Mexico. If those costs rise, expect layoffs in states like Michigan, Ohio, and Texas, where many immigrants work in auto plants, warehouses, and transportation.

✔ Agriculture & Farming – U.S. farmers export billions of dollars in goods to Canada and Mexico. Retaliatory tariffs could reduce demand, leading to job losses for farmworkers and food processing employees—many of whom are immigrants.

✔ Construction & Trade Jobs – Materials like steel, aluminum, and lumber come from Canada. Higher costs could stall construction projects, affecting jobs for immigrant laborers, carpenters, and contractors.

For immigrants with temporary work visas or those seeking permanent jobs, fewer job openings could make it harder to secure employment.

3. Immigration Policies Tied to Trade Wars

Trump has directly linked these tariffs to immigration and drug enforcement, blaming Canada and Mexico for allowing “illegal immigrants” and fentanyl into the U.S.

✔ Justification for Crackdowns – Trump could use the trade war as an excuse to increase ICE raids, expand deportations, and push for stricter asylum laws.

✔ More Barriers for Work Visas & Green Cards – With anti-immigrant rhetoric heating up, Trump may delay or restrict work permits, visas, and naturalization applications under the guise of national security.

✔ Threats Against U.S.-Mexico Border – Trump has suggested tariffs could rise even further if Mexico does not comply with his demands on immigration enforcement. This could lead to stricter border policies, longer wait times for asylum seekers, and heightened deportation risks.

For immigrants, this trade war is more than just economic—it’s political.

4. The Impact on Families Sending Money Abroad

Many immigrants send remittances (money transfers) to family members in Mexico, Central America, and Asia. If wages decline due to job cuts or inflation, it could mean less financial support for relatives abroad.

✔ Mexico relies heavily on remittances from the U.S. – Over $60 billion was sent from the U.S. to Mexico in 2023 alone. If immigrant workers lose jobs or face wage stagnation, their families will struggle to afford rent, healthcare, and education back home.

✔ Currency Devaluation – If trade disputes hurt the value of the U.S. dollar, remittances could lose purchasing power, making it even harder for families to make ends meet.

For immigrants supporting loved ones in their home countries, the tariffs will have far-reaching consequences.

What Can Immigrants Do to Prepare?

✔ Budget for Higher Costs

• Stock up on non-perishable groceries before prices rise.

• Reduce unnecessary expenses to prepare for potential job losses or income cuts.

• Look for deals and discounts on major purchases like cars, electronics, and appliances before price hikes take effect.

✔ Protect Your Job and Work Rights

• Stay informed about labor laws and workplace protections.

• If laid off, know your rights regarding unemployment benefits.

• Seek legal help if your employer uses economic instability as an excuse to exploit immigrant workers.

✔ Stay Informed About Immigration Policy Changes

• Watch for policy shifts that could affect work permits, green cards, and asylum applications.

• Seek legal guidance if you are facing visa delays or deportation threats.

• Be aware of state-level protections—some states may offer resources to immigrants impacted by economic hardship.

✔ Seek Legal Help If You Are Targeted

• Know your rights if you are stopped or questioned by ICE.

• If you face deportation threats or workplace discrimination, contact an immigration attorney immediately.

• Document any changes in your job status, wages, or work conditions in case you need legal assistance.

What’s Next? The Future of Trump’s Trade War

Trump’s tariffs are only the beginning—he has threatened even higher tariffs on European Union nations and additional restrictions on trade with China.

For immigrants, refugees, and working-class Americans, the coming months will determine whether this trade war leads to temporary disruptions or long-term economic struggles.

📞 At Amba Law Immigration Solutions, we are committed to helping immigrants navigate these uncertain times. If you need guidance on workplace protections, immigration status, or legal rights, reach out to us for support.

⚖️ Legal Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique. For legal assistance tailored to your specific situation, contact us today to schedule a consultation!