In a controversial move, Tyson Foods is facing significant backlash and boycott calls for its plan to hire 52,000 migrants to work at its factories. The decision comes on the heels of the company's announcement to close a plant in Perry, Iowa, which has left approximately 1,200 employees without jobs.

According to a report from Scripps News, Tyson Foods revealed its intention to recruit asylum seekers who have recently arrived in New York City. The company's program aims to provide employment opportunities to migrants while also addressing concerns raised by city officials about the strain on local resources due to the growing migrant population.

Under the program, these migrants would be offered a competitive hourly wage of $16.50, along with additional benefits such as legal aid, child care, and temporary housing. This initiative from Tyson Foods could potentially alleviate some of the challenges faced by New York City leaders in managing the influx of migrants.

However, this announcement has faced swift backlash from conservative voices. Critics took to social media platform X to express their outrage, with calls to boycott the company. Some highlighted the closure of the Iowa plant and the subsequent plan to hire new migrants in New York as a cause for concern, accusing Tyson Foods of not prioritizing American workers.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican, expressed disappointment over the decision to shut down the Perry plant, describing it as a significant blow. The plant is scheduled to cease operations on July 28th, leaving many locals without employment prospects.

Reuters reports that Tyson Foods' pork segment suffered an adjusted operating loss of $128 million for the 2023 fiscal year, likely contributing to the decision to close the plant in Iowa. This comes amid a drop in demand for certain products, prompting the company to close six plants in the past year.

The issue of immigration and border security continues to be a contentious topic, particularly in light of the upcoming presidential election. With an uptick in asylum seekers, the Biden administration has faced mounting pressure to address border crossings and ensure tighter security measures.

Tyson Foods has not yet responded to requests for comment on the situation. As the company faces calls for a boycott, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact its operations moving forward.