A company owned by known MAGA donors is facing calls for investigation after it reportedly brought migrant workers to the United States in ways critics say may violate visa rules.The company is Uline, a privately owned shipping and industrial supplies company run by Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein, who are known for donating large sums to conservative causes, according to The Daily Beast. Uline has facilities in Wisconsin, Florida, and Pennsylvania and serves customers throughout the United States.According to The Guardian, Uline ran the “shuttle support” program. It reportedly brought in workers from Mexico using B‑1 or visitor visas, intended for short business trips.
These workers were then employed for longer periods in warehouse jobs.The workers brought in this way were reportedly used for regular warehouse work. Critics said the visas were not intended for full-time work. They also said the practice may have lowered wages and put migrant workers in precarious situations.The reports sparked a dispute between local officials and labor groups. Jocasta Zamarripa, a Milwaukee City Council member, called for transparency and a full investigation into Uline’s labor practices.
She said the company’s actions appeared to conflict with its owners’ stance on immigration.Labor rights group Voice of La Frontera has also criticized the program, saying it shows unfair treatment of migrant workers and their potential exploitation under rules designated for short-term work.Immigration lawyers said using visitor visas or work visas for long-term jobs could be illegal if visa rules are violated. If proven, these practices could result in legal consequences under U.S. immigration law and could also include Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The shuttle program ended in late 2024, shortly after it was announced, the report said. Olin declined to comment when asked about the program.The Uihleins, major supporters of conservative and pro-Trump causes, have not publicly addressed the immigration allegations against their company.
