A Colombian employee of Walmart has touched hearts on social media with an emotional message about the difficult journey she and her coworkers experienced amidst layoffs affecting migrants with expired temporary permits in the United States.
“Today everyone at Walmart is working with a heavy heart,” said the young woman identified on TikTok as Melienusa. Dressed in the company's uniform, she filmed the video from her workplace, clearly affected. “Migrants, even American citizens, we are all working very sadly today. And those of us who aren't citizens are feeling a bit anxious as well about the situation happening in the country.”
In his testimony, shared on June 3, he explained that more than 60 employees had been suspended or dismissed from his store after losing their immigration status, particularly humanitarian parole. “Hardworking, responsible individuals who pay taxes, who have children, who want to do things right… are facing the consequences.”
Aunque no menciona directamente a ningún político, hace alusión al impacto que han tenido los cambios en la política migratoria bajo la nueva administración. “Ya no sabemos qué va a pasar. Todo el mundo está tratando de hacer las cosas bien, de manera legal, ordenada, tratando de respetar las normas y las leyes, pero ya no sabemos qué esperar”.
Before concluding, he dedicated a few words to those who lost their jobs: "I wish you a thousand blessings. Trust in God, for He has the final word. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and He is the one who removes and appoints kings in the world."
Reactions: between empathy, doubts, and criticism
Melienusa's video quickly went viral and sparked an intense debate on TikTok. Hundreds of users expressed emotional support, thanking her for bringing visibility to a reality that affects many. "Thank you for speaking for all of us. I cried with you today," wrote one user. Another added, "We are with you. God will provide."
However, questions, doubts, and criticisms were also raised. Some were surprised that Walmart hired individuals with temporary immigration status: “Since when does Walmart hire people with parole?” asked one profile. Others recalled that parole is a temporary permit: “What part of temporary did they not understand?” wrote a user.
There were also comments in a harsher tone: “Many of you used to mock other migrants. Now it’s your turn.” And others who replied from their own experience: “I have been here for 20 years without papers and I’m still fighting. There are no guarantees for anyone.”
Despite the nuances, the video sparked an open conversation about the uncertainty faced by those who arrived legally and have tried to integrate, but now encounter obstacles in continuing to work.
“We pay the just for the sinners”: another worker recounts her dismissal
Just a few hours after the first video, another testimony went viral. Ruth, a Venezuelan worker, shared her experience after being fired on June 3 as well. “Today, I was officially called to be informed that I am out of my job,” she recounted.
According to the explanation provided, Walmart notified that it could no longer continue in its position due to having a work permit under category C11, which corresponds to humanitarian parole. “We can only renew the permits for individuals who have a work permit for asylum, meaning they must have been granted it for five years, which is category C8,” he elaborated.
With a breaking voice, Ruth expressed her indignation: “We are paying for the sins of others. We are the ones who go out to work, who strive, who try to lift our country, we pay for papers, we pay for legality in this country.”
Moreover, she questioned the media coverage that prioritizes certain sensational cases over what, in her opinion, should be the focus: honest people who are losing their livelihoods. “We are being laid off from our jobs and no one is paying attention to this. We are left, as they say, on standby.”
Reacciones: defensa, juicio y solidaridad
Ruth's video also received a flood of comments, some supportive and others very critical. Several users defended Walmart, pointing out that it simply complies with regulations: "It's not Walmart's decision, it's a federal mandate." Another commented: "The fault lies not with the store, but with the system."
There were also those who criticized the emotional tone of the video: “Stop crying; that’s life in the U.S.” Others recalled that the parole did not guarantee permanence: “It was a temporary measure. They didn’t make the adjustments in time.”
However, many offered words of encouragement: "Trust in God, better things are coming," "This is just a test, you can handle this," "You are a warrior, keep moving forward."
"We are waiting, but we don't know what to do."
A direct testimony also reached the offices of CiberCuba. A 65-year-old Cuban explained that she and her daughter, 35, arrived in the country under humanitarian parole in December 2023. In December 2024, after fulfilling the regulatory year and a day, they applied for residency. In February 2025, they were called for biometric fingerprints, but they have not received a response since then.
On June 3rd, the daughter was fired from Walmart after eight months of work. "I have the notification of my fingerprints and the case number that immigration has already received. But so far, I haven't had any further response. My daughter has been working since she arrived, and today they told her that she can't continue," she explained. "We are waiting, but we don’t know what to do. Can we be deported?"
These reactions come shortly after news broke that Walmart has begun laying off migrant employees following the Supreme Court ruling that allows the government to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and humanitarian parole. According to Bloomberg and Univisión, the company requires its workers to update their work permits this month or they will be let go. The layoffs particularly affect employees of Cuban, Venezuelan, Haitian, and Nicaraguan descent.
The I-9 form, mandated by federal law, requires companies to verify work authorization. Immigration experts have advised those engaged in active processes (such as residency applications) to keep their documentation updated and seek legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dismissal of Immigrants at Walmart
¿Por qué Walmart está despidiendo a empleados migrantes con permisos temporales?
Walmart is laying off migrant employees due to the Supreme Court ruling that allows the revocation of legal protections such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and humanitarian parole. The company is requiring workers to update their work permits or they will face layoffs.
What is humanitarian parole and how does it affect Walmart employees?
The humanitarian parole is a temporary permit that allows migrants to live and work in the U.S. for a limited time. Layoffs at Walmart are happening because these permits are expiring and current immigration policies are not renewing them.
How does this affect migrant employees in personal and work-related terms?
The loss of employment severely affects migrant workers, who face economic and legal uncertainty. Many are responsible workers who have paid taxes and now fear being deported or unable to support themselves in the U.S.
What measures can migrants affected by layoffs at Walmart take?
Affected migrants should seek legal advice to assess their options, such as renewing their work permits or applying for other forms of protection. It is crucial to keep documentation up to date and to follow the recommendations of immigration experts.
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