Kamal Ghorui
A company owned by well-known MAGA donors is facing calls for investigation after reports said it brought immigrant workers into the United States in ways critics say may have broken visa rules.The company is Uline, a privately owned shipping and industrial supply business run by Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein, who are famous for donating large sums to conservative causes, according to the Daily Beast. Uline has facilities in Wisconsin, Florida, and Pennsylvania and serves customers across the US.According to The Guardian, Uline ran a “shuttle support” programme. It reportedly brought workers from Mexico using B‑1 or visitor visas, which are meant for short business trips. These workers were then employed for longer periods in warehouse jobs.Workers brought in this way were reportedly used for normal warehouse work. Critics said the visas were not meant for full-time employment. They also said the practice may have lowered wages and put migrant workers in risky situations.The reports stirred a row among local officials and worker groups. JoCasta Zamarripa, a member of the Milwaukee City Council, called for transparency and a full investigation into Uline’s labour practices. She said the company’s actions seemed to contradict the immigration stance of its owners.Labour rights group Voces de la Frontera also criticised the programme, saying it showed unfair treatment of immigrant workers and possible exploitation under rules meant for short-term work.Immigration lawyers said that using visitor or business visas for long-term jobs could be illegal if the visa rules were broken. If proven, such practices could bring legal consequences under US immigration law and could also involve ICE. The report said the shuttle programme ended in late 2024, shortly after it became public. Uline has refused to comment when asked about the programme.The Uihleins, who are major supporters of conservative and pro‑Trump causes, have not publicly addressed the immigration allegations against their company.
