When a federal parole program that allowed certain immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to work in the U.S. was canceled, dozens of employees at the Ottumwa JBS plant suddenly found themselves without jobs. The company gave affected workers three months to sort out new work permits, but for most, that proved too difficult.
A small number of employees with asylum cases still in progress were able to regain authorization and return to the plant, though that represents only a fraction of those impacted. “If they could get their papers, we welcomed them back,” said Brian Ulin of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 230. “But that was a small number—probably around 10 percent.”
For everyone else, life quickly became a struggle. Some returned to their home countries, while those who stayed are facing mounting bills and cramped living situations. Paulina Ocegueda, vice president of the local League of United Latin American Citizens, said many families have had to share housing to make ends meet. Utilities, rent, and daily necessities are becoming impossible for some to afford.
Ocegueda estimates that 10 to 30 Haitian workers left the area, though the total number of immigrants who departed—including those from other countries—is unknown. “We know the Haitian community is shrinking, but there may be others leaving too,” she said.
The stress is hitting children especially hard. “Families are scared and anxious. Kids see their parents struggling and it affects their mental health,” Ocegueda said. “They came here chasing the American dream, and suddenly it feels like everything was taken away.”
Despite the disruption, JBS has filled the vacant positions, and production continues as usual. Many remaining employees have returned to work as if nothing happened, though fears about immigration status lingered at first, according to Ulin.
https://www.iowapublicradio.org/ipr-news/2025-11-18/jbs-workers-ottumwa-revoked-visas-immigration
