The Labor Café recognizes Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitments to human dignity, equality of opportunity, and decent work for all as we devote a special session to the place of immigrants in the labor market, economy, and social fabric of the American nation.
Facilitator: Z Zavala (POLS & HIST ’27)
A dozen short pieces to get the conversation started (non-required reading; feel free to dip into any or all):

“Explainer: Immigrants and the U.S. Economy,” Migration Policy Institute, Oct. 2024
“The U.S. benefits from immigration but policy reforms needed to maximize gains,” Economic Policy Institute, Oct 4, 2024
“Tax Payments by Undocumented Immigrants,” Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy, July 30, 2024
“The H-1B Visa Program and Its Impact on the U.S. Economy,” American Immigration Council, Jan 3, 2025
“Immigrants drive Nebraska’s economy. Trump’s mass deportations pledge is a threat,” NPR, Jan 22, 2025
“Don’t Call Trump’s Plan 'Mass Deportation',” City Journal, Jan 21, 2025
“Pope Francis calls Trump’s plans of mass deportation of immigrants ‘a disgrace’” AP News, Jan 20, 2025
“Which industries are most vulnerable to Trump’s immigration crackdown?” CBS News, Jan 23, 2025
“These immigrant workers shined a light on labor abuse. Will Trump let them stay?” NPR, Jan 15, 2025
“As President Trump declares a border emergency on Day 1, California’s targeted immigrants lie low,” CalMatters, Jan 20, 2025
“Immigrants Are a Vital Part of Kentucky Communities,” Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, Jan 17, 2025
“Escaping Oklahoma: A Worker’s Story From Inside an Illegal Marijuana Operation,” ProPublica, Aug 16, 2024

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Labor curious? Visit the Labor Café — where ND talks work!
The Labor Café convenes the Notre Dame community for casual conversation on contemporary questions about work, workers, and workplaces. What rights and protections should those who work for others have? What’s the proper role for government in the economy? How should we address enduring problems of inequality, poverty, and lack of opportunity? And what does Catholic social tradition have to say about these labor questions? Participants choose the concrete topics, all people are welcome, and all opinions are entertained.