Maia Usui is a student at Harvard Law School.
The Affordable Care Act has extended health insurance to millions of Americans. But it excludes one group: undocumented immigrants. California’s lawmakers are now seeking a waiver from the federal government that will allow all immigrants to purchase insurance policies on the state’s insurance marketplace without federal subsidies. The New York Times‘ Editorial Board writes in support of the change, pointing out that immigrants already contribute more in taxes to support public programs than they receive in benefits.
Meanwhile, The Boston Globe examines the conditions facing immigrant workers in a booming construction industry. Their investigation reveals that these workers are paid below the prevailing wage and are more likely to be subjected to unsafe conditions, without insurance for medical costs or lost pay if they are injured.
The Obama Administration continues its efforts to save the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which both Clinton and Trump have opposed. On Friday, President Obama enlisted the help of Republican governor John Kasich, who called for bipartisan support for the trade deal. The New Yorker takes a close look at the opposition to the TPP, suggesting that the most persistent argument against trade treaties — the loss of American jobs — doesn’t match the facts: since NAFTA was approved in 1993, American manufacturing jobs have expanded.
Finally, NPR’s series “A Nation Engaged” — an exploration of issues that are important to voters in this election — continues this week with a look at the economic opportunities for American workers. Against a mixed backdrop (a record number of jobs open and rising wages, but a shrinking middle class), reporters will be speaking to workers about how they are experiencing today’s economy.
Daily News & Commentary
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
June 12
Third Republican NLRB member sails through appointment hearings; UAW secures symbolic deal with General Motors supplier.
June 11
DC Circuit enforces an NLRB bargaining order; House passes a bill to speed up negotiating between employers and unions.
June 10
SoFi Stadium workers narrowly avoid World Cup strike; Amazon's NLRB challenge to remain in Fifth Circuit; House passes strict timeline bill for first union contracts.
June 9
SoFi Stadium workers authorize a strike ahead of the World Cup; the NLRB finds Starbucks violated labor law; Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee is struck down.
June 8
BLS releases May jobs reports; US Trade Representative proposes new tariffs.
June 7
SAG-AFTRA members ratify a four-year CBA and the International Trade Union Confederation releases its 2026 Global Rights Index.