The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in collaboration with the Department of Labor and other local, state, and federal agencies, has announced that it has secured the labor rights of over 1,000 noncitizen workers. This initiative grants migrant and immigrant workers who experience or witness workplace labor or civil rights violations temporary protection against deportation and access to work authorization.

Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, stated emphatically that "No employer is above the law. @DHSgov will work with our law enforcement partners to hold those who prey on the vulnerability of migrants accountable and provide protection to those who come forward to report abuse". He further elaborated on the initiative's progress: "Through the enhanced process announced one year ago, DHS in partnership with the @USDOL & other federal, state & local labor agencies, has protected 1,000+ noncitizen workers who were victims of, or witnesses to, a violation of labor rights."

According to a news release from DHS, this process aims to expedite workers’ deferred action requests and employment agency-related deferred action requests on a case-by-case basis. The department highlights the plight of immigrants who are hesitant to report violations due to fear of immigration-based retribution involving hazardous working conditions or wage theft. Workers can obtain more information and submit requests by visiting the DHS website.

Mayorkas further asserted that "Noncitizen workers should never be afraid to report exploitation in the workplace or fear retaliatory actions from an abusive employer," adding that "Combatting labor exploitation helps ensure fair wages and safe working conditions for all workers in our country."

The news release also indicated that renewals of deferred action for immigrant workers would fall under new DHS guidelines. Immigrants granted delayed action based on a labor agency enforcement interest can request up to two years as long as involvement from the labor agency is necessary. These initiatives aim to protect workers while investigations are underway.