This Week on The Inclusive AF Podcast: The Real Impact of Undocumented Workers & DEI Backlash

Hi Inclusive AF Fam,

We're back with another fire episode! In case you missed it, Episode 153 of The Inclusive AF Podcast with Katee & Jackye dives deep into some of the most misrepresented topics making headlines—undocumented workers’ contributions to our economy and the ongoing attacks on DEI.

Here’s a quick recap of what we covered:

💸 The Truth About Undocumented Workers

Forget the myths—undocumented workers are NOT leeching off the system! Katee and Jackye break down the realities with hard facts:

• 10.9 million undocumented workers keep the economy running every single day.

• In 2022, they contributed $96.7 billion in taxes—federal, payroll, state, and local. Yes, with a B.

• Despite this, they don’t get Social Security or welfare benefits. They’re supporting the systems that exclude them.

• In 40 states, undocumented immigrants pay a higher effective state and local tax rate than the top 1% of earners.

• If mass deportations happen, the US GDP could shrink by up to 1.6% (hundreds of billions!).

Undocumented immigrants are the backbone of critical industries: agriculture (36.1% of the workforce), construction (20%), and food prep/cooking (22.6%). Removing them isn’t just unethical—it’s economically stupid.

🔥 DEI Under Attack: What the Actual AF?!

From the EEOC’s bizarre war on diversity (yes, the agency supposed to protect workers is calling diversity “the new discrimination”) to corporations abandoning DEI at record speed, things are truly upside down:

• IBM, Adobe, Constellation Brands, JPMorgan Chase, and Target—all scaling back on DEI, changing names, ghosting initiatives, and essentially backing down out of fear, not principle.

• Latest stats: DEI mentions in earnings calls dropped 82% since 2021. Not a market correction—that’s a desertion.

• Gen Z isn’t having it. They're grilling employers about their real values. Optics aren’t enough.

• Government agencies like the USDA are axing essential trainings (anti-harassment, veteran engagement) and calling that patriotism.

Jackye and Katee get real about what’s happening and why we can’t afford to stay silent. It’s not performance, it’s people’s livelihoods.

✊ What Can You Do?

• Pay attention: The world’s on fire, but you have power—at work, in your community, and at the polls.

• Call your reps: Speak up about fair and just immigration reform, and about the need for real protections at work.

• Support one another: Everyone’s scared, but collective action matters more than ever.

We see you, we hear you, and we’re here with data, passion, and (sometimes) some very necessary f-bombs. If your company’s commitment to equity can’t stand strong in tough times, it was never a true commitment.

Thanks for listening and being in this space with us. Catch the full episode for deeper insights and our signature blend of truth, fire, and (sometimes) giggles.

With love and righteous anger,

Katee & Jackye
The Inclusive AF Podcast

P.S. Got thoughts or stories to share about what’s happening at your own workplace? Hit reply—we want to hear from you!

Stay inclusive AF!