Michigan lawmakers and political figures offered sharply divided responses yesterday after the Senate passed President Trump’s comprehensive immigration and economic package, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The legislation, which cleared the Senate with a vote of 53-47, now heads to the President’s desk for signature.
Senator Debbie Stabenow expressed serious concerns about the bill’s potential impact on Michigan’s economy. “While I support strengthening border security, this package contains provisions that could harm Michigan’s manufacturing sector and agricultural industries,” Stabenow told reporters outside the Capitol. “The bill’s restrictions on seasonal worker visas will particularly impact our fruit growers in western Michigan who depend on this labor force.”
The 1,200-page legislation combines border security measures with significant tax reforms and infrastructure spending. Among its most controversial elements are the elimination of family reunification visa categories and implementation of a merit-based immigration system.
Congressman Tim Walberg, representing Michigan’s 5th district, celebrated the bill’s passage. “This legislation delivers on the President’s promise to secure our borders while creating pathways for the skilled workers our economy needs,” Walberg said in a statement released by his office. “Michigan manufacturers have been asking for these reforms for years.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer took a more measured approach, acknowledging both potential benefits and drawbacks. “I appreciate efforts to address our immigration system and invest in infrastructure, but I remain concerned about how certain provisions might affect our state’s diverse communities,” Whitmer said. She added that her administration is reviewing the legislation to determine its full impact on Michigan residents.
Business leaders across the state expressed mixed reactions. Sandy Baruah, president of the Detroit Regional Chamber, noted that while the bill’s infrastructure investments could benefit Michigan, other aspects worry the business community. “The reduced caps on H-1B visas could hinder our technology sector’s growth, particularly in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids where tech companies rely on specialized talent,” Baruah explained in a phone interview.
Data from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity indicates that approximately 12,800 Michigan businesses currently employ workers on various visa programs that would be affected by the new legislation. These businesses collectively contribute an estimated $4.2 billion annually to the state’s economy.
Immigration advocates gathered outside Senator Gary Peters’ Detroit office yesterday afternoon to protest the bill’s passage. Raquel Garcia, executive director of Michigan United, expressed disappointment with Peters’ supporting vote. “This bill tears apart the family-based immigration system that has brought countless hard-working people to Michigan,” Garcia said as roughly 150 demonstrators chanted behind her.
Peters defended his vote, citing the bill’s infrastructure provisions that include $1.8 billion for Michigan road projects and $450 million for Great Lakes restoration efforts. “I’ve always said we need comprehensive immigration reform along with investments in our communities,” Peters said in a statement. “This bill, while imperfect, delivers critical funding for Michigan’s infrastructure needs.”
Former Congressman Mike Bishop praised the legislation’s border security measures. “Michigan residents want secure borders and a system that works,” Bishop told WJR radio yesterday. “This bill finally delivers meaningful reform after decades of Congressional inaction.”
The University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy released preliminary analysis suggesting the bill’s economic impact on the state will vary significantly by region. “Manufacturing-heavy areas may benefit from certain provisions, while agricultural regions could face labor shortages,” noted Professor Susan Collins, who led the analysis. “The net effect depends largely on implementation details and how businesses adapt to the new requirements.”
In Lansing, state legislators are already preparing responses to the federal changes. State Senator Stephanie Chang announced plans to introduce legislation addressing potential gaps in services for immigrant communities. “Regardless of federal policy, Michigan must remain welcoming and supportive of all our residents,” Chang said during a press conference at the state capitol.
The bill’s infrastructure components include funding for improvements to the Soo Locks and the Gordie Howe International Bridge, projects long championed by Michigan’s congressional delegation. Congressman Dan Kildee highlighted these investments as crucial wins for the state. “After years of advocacy, we’ve secured the funding needed for these critical infrastructure projects,” Kildee said.
As Michigan residents absorb the news, community organizations are planning information sessions to explain the legislation’s potential impacts. Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan announced yesterday it will host workshops throughout August to help families understand the changes to immigration law.
The bill takes effect in 90 days, giving federal agencies time to develop implementation guidelines. Michigan’s congressional delegation has requested briefings from relevant agencies to better understand how the state’s residents and businesses should prepare for the coming changes.
