Across North America, headlines are being dominated by protests and intense political debates surrounding immigration enforcement. Yet beneath the public demonstrations lies a quieter story: Businesses are facing labour shortages and rising costs as immigration policies reshape the workforce. In a country built on immigrant labour, the political battle over borders is now a battle for survival for key industries and the livelihoods of millions.

Trump-Era Policies Reshape U.S. Immigration Enforcement

Immigration enforcement has undergone a dramatic shift under the Trump administration. Since January 2025, executive orders have tightened border security, expanded deportation efforts, and raised the annual deportation target to one million, tripling previous levels.

From Streets to Courtrooms: Legal Pushback in Sanctuary Cities

New regulations now require undocumented immigrants to register with federal authorities, increasing detention risks. The administration expanded local law enforcement’s role via 287(g) agreements (ICE, 2024) and threatened funding cuts to sanctuary cities. In Los Angeles, protests erupted in response. Thousands of National Guard troops and Marines were deployed to manage the unrest (Los Angeles Times, 2025). Local officials challenged the use of military forces in federal court.

The Economic Fallout of Immigration Restrictions

Immigrants and GDP: The Growth Engine at Risk

Immigration has historically fueled U.S. economic growth. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), immigration could increase U.S. GDP by $8.9 trillion from 2024 to 2034 (CBO, 2024).

How Deportations Could Shrink the U.S. Economy by 7%

The Paris School of Economics estimates that immigration restrictions could reduce U.S. GDP by 2–7% by 2028 — more than five times the economic cost of trade protectionism (PSE, 2023).

CBO vs. Peterson Institute for International Economics: Conflicting Economic Projections.

While the CBO sees growth, the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) warns that deporting 1.3 to 8.3 million undocumented immigrants could reduce real GDP by up to 7% by 2028 (PIIE, 2023).

Industry by Industry: Labour Shortages Unfold

Construction Delays and Housing Costs Surge

The construction industry faces acute labor shortages. Las Vegas, which relies on ~190,000 undocumented workers ,  nearly 9% of its workforce, has been hit particularly hard.

Hospitality Industry Struggles to Stay Staffed

Hotels struggle to fill seasonal roles. The H-2B visa program, capped at 66,000, is overwhelmed. Although DHS added 85,432 visas in 2024, stricter vetting increased rejection rates by ~15% (Department of Homeland Security, 2024).

Chris Nassetta, CEO of Hilton, stated that labor gaps pose a long-term risk to the industry’s sustainability.

Healthcare Sector Faces a Worker Crisis

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a shortage of 135,000 providers by 2036 (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook). In Los Angeles, immigrants make up 15.6% of nurses and 27.7% of aides (New American Economy, 2023).

Food Inflation Driven by Agricultural Labor Gaps

Immigrants comprise over 50% of California’s agricultural workers. Labor shortages led to a 42.7% increase in fruit imports and a 31.9% increase in vegetables between 2000 – 2019 (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2022).

Transportation and Manufacturing Strain Supply Chains

Urban areas face trucking shortages. Meanwhile, The Manufacturing Institute projects a shortfall of 2.1 million jobs by 2030, potentially costing $1 trillion (National Association of Manufacturers, 2023

U.S. vs. Canada: A Tale of Two Immigration Strategies

The U.S. and Canada take divergent approaches to immigration labour policies, with significant economic implications.
The U.S. relies on temporary visa programs like H-2A and H-2B, which are capped and subject to rigorous vetting. The H-2B program, limited to 66,000 visas annually, saw rejection rates increase by 15% since 2022. In contrast, Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) offers greater flexibility, allowing employers to hire foreign workers for low- and high-skilled roles with fewer restrictions. Canada’s Express Entry system prioritizes skilled immigrants for permanent residency, ensuring a steady labour supply.

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces to address local labour needs by nominating immigrants for permanent residency, unlike the U.S.’s centralized system, where state-level input is minimal. For example, the stalled U.S. Seasonal Act, which would allow governors to petition for additional H-2B visas, highlights this gap. Canada’s policies have bolstered its agricultural sector, contributing to its dominance in U.S. fresh produce imports. By contrast, the U.S.’s restrictive approach drives up costs and reduces competitiveness.

Policy Paths Forward: Fixing the U.S. Workforce Gap

Short-Term Fixes: Raise Visa Caps and Streamline Work Permits

Increasing the H-2B visa cap beyond 66,000 and streamlining applications would alleviate shortages in construction, hospitality, and agriculture.
Fast-tracking work permits for asylum seekers, who face delays of six months or more, would allow them to fill critical roles. Updating the Department of Labour’s Schedule A list to include high-demand occupations, such as builders and healthcare workers, would expedite hiring 

Creating a path to citizenship for essential workers, especially undocumented immigrants in agriculture, construction, and healthcare, would stabilize the workforce and boost tax revenues, potentially adding $1.2 trillion over a decade, per CBO 2024 estimates.

Adopting state-based visa programs, inspired by Canada’s PNP, could help states directly address regional labor shortages.

What Businesses Can (and Can’t) Do

Beyond the Border: The Real Cost of Crackdowns

1. How Immigration Policy Impacts the Broader Economy
From GDP shrinkage to industry disruption, immigration policy affects the entire economy, not just border states or migrants.

2. Consumers, Workers, and Businesses All Pay the Price 
Everyday Americans are seeing higher food prices, longer construction timelines, and limited healthcare access.

3. Balancing National Security with Economic Stability
Smart policies must protect both borders and economic resilience. Without reform, the hidden cost of immigration crackdowns may reach far beyond politics.

Richard Hennessy, an Irish soldier in the French army, founded the company in 1765. His ambition was to produce fine cognac for an international audience. Richard’s descendants carried forward his vision, maintaining excellence in quality and expanding Hennessy’s global reach. Over centuries, the founding family embedded values of craftsmanship, integrity, and innovation into the brand’s DNA, which remain influential even after Hennessy became part of the LVMH group. 

Hennessy exemplifies the concept of longevity in the business world. Founded in 1765, the brand has sustained its reputation for excellence in cognac production for centuries. Beyond product quality, Hennessy has adapted its operations to meet the evolving demands of sustainability, climate change, and consumer awareness. From vineyard management to distillation, packaging, and logistics, Hennessy has integrated green initiatives that ensure responsible practices across its value chain. Its commitment to a sustainable future enables the company not only to preserve its heritage but also to evolve responsibly in a modern world.

 🎯  Mission, Vision & Core Values

Mission: To craft and share the finest cognac in the world while protecting the environment, supporting communities, and honoring centuries of heritage.
 
Vision: To be the global leader in sustainable luxury spirits by combining tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation with a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
 
Core Values:

 

 🔄 Leadership Transition — From Family Legacy to Global Sustainability

Hennessy evolved from a family-run business to a globally managed luxury brand under LVMH (1987). With master blenders (cellar masters) passing down knowledge through apprenticeships, the brand maintains traditional craftsmanship. Simultaneously, LVMH introduced corporate governance and ESG frameworks, enabling Hennessy to scale while embracing green innovation.

🕰️ Timeline of Sustainability Impact

Over the years, Hennessy has had major sustainability impacts

👥 Leadership Style — Participative & Transformational

Hennessy has fostered different leadership styles over the years that embrace innovation and heritage. Under LVMH, it combines traditional savoir-faire with cross-functional sustainability strategies. This forward-thinking leadership empowers local teams and supports environmental and social responsibility.

🌍 Company Culture — Heritage, Prestige & Global Identity
 
Hennessy’s brand culture is deeply emotional and rooted in loyalty, quality, and prestige. Internally, employees embrace the company's strong sense of tradition and innovation. Externally, the brand cultivates a ‘cult-like’ following by crafting narratives around heritage, exclusivity, and excellence. Its ambassador-led marketing strategy and collaborations with global artists and designers create strong consumer identity and aspirational value.

Hennessy isn’t just a drink, it’s a status symbol and cultural icon: 

  🌳 Green Leadership & Ethical Practices
 

Hennessy’s ethical commitment spans across production and community: 

Beyond environmental ethics, Hennessy supports:

 ♻️  Strategic ESG Goals 

 💸 Financial Performance — The Revenue Engine 

 

Hennessy generates its revenue primarily through the global sale of cognac. Key markets include:

United States – Hip-hop & mixology trends
China  – Premium middle-class
Nigeria  – Aspirational luxury
France   –  Mature market, brand loyalty, slower but steady premiumization

The company’s premium positioning and brand heritage allow it to command high prices. 

Revenue is further supported by:

Hennessy's revenue has grown significantly over the last 20 years:

 🥃  Diversification & Innovation in Spirits 

 

Under Moët Hennessy, Hennessy benefits from LVMH's spirits portfolio: 

Innovation Areas:

🛡️ Resilience Through Crisis

Hennessy has survived major disruptions through agility and brand loyalty: 

⚠️ Challenges 

  🌟  Opportunities 

 

 👁️ Key Observations on Hennessy as a Global Brand 
 
Internal succession dominated until 1987, reflecting the brand’s family heritage.
Post-LVMH era shifted to performance-driven leadership, aligned with luxury market growth.
Since 2020, ESG and sustainability have become the strategic north star of the brand, reflecting evolving consumer values and climate urgency. 

 📢 Lessons For  Businesses Aiming to Withstand Test of Times

 
Hennessy’s journey shows that heritage brands can successfully integrate sustainability without compromising tradition. By investing in green technologies, ethical leadership, and social responsibility, Hennessy not only meets regulatory demands but also builds long-term value and trust with consumers.
 Key lessons include:
Sustainability and profitability can co-exist with the right leadership and innovation.
Environmental action must be integrated into every department and supply chain level.
Brand legacy can be a powerful driver for ethical transformation.
Cultural storytelling and inclusive branding strengthen long-term customer loyalty.

In an era defined by climate urgency and heightened consumer awareness, L’Oréal stands as a testament to the powerful synergy between beauty and purpose. Much like the world’s most resilient ecosystems, the company has cultivated a balanced approach to growth, demonstrating that a rich legacy and ambitious sustainability goals can flourish in tandem (L’Oréal, 2020).
 

For over a century, L’Oréal has not just survived—but thrived—by reinventing itself while staying true to its core values. Its journey offers a masterclass in corporate longevity, blending innovation, ethics, and financial discipline to build a future-ready enterprise.
 
 A Century of Transformation: From Vision to Global Leadership
 
Founded in Paris in 1909 by Eugène Schueller, L’Oréal began with a singular focus: safe synthetic hair dyes. This scientific foundation laid the groundwork for what would become a global beauty empire driven by R&D and social responsibility. 

In 2013, L’Oréal launched Sharing Beauty With All, its first comprehensive sustainability program, setting measurable targets across its value chain. In 2020, it followed with L’Oréal for the Future, a 2030 roadmap that deepens its environmental and social commitments, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Leadership Transitions and Styles  
 
L’Oréal has consistently nurtured internal talent, favoring continuity and institutional knowledge. Its leadership evolution reflects shifts in business priorities:

L’Oréal's Dominant leadership styles across history lean toward transformational, visionary, and adaptive leadership, anchored in innovation, ethics, and long-term sustainability.

Guiding Principles: Mission, Vision, and Core Values

L’Oréal’s mission is “to offer the best of beauty to all,” emphasizing global reach, quality, efficacy, and safety.
Its vision, Beauty that moves the world, reflects a commitment to empowerment through beauty, driven by innovation and responsibility.

Core values include: Innovation, Sustainability, Responsibility, Transparency, Diversity, and Inclusion.
 
Ethical Leadership and Commitments
 
L’Oréal is a perennial honoree on the Ethisphere Institute’s list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, a testament to its ethical governance and stakeholder engagement. Key initiatives include:
 

Employee Culture: Empowering People and Fostering Purpose
 
L’Oréal is known for a high-performance, innovation-driven, cult-like culture that promotes individual purpose and global impact. Its “Sense of Purpose” initiative has helped strengthen employee engagement and retention globally.

Key pillars of employee experience:

In 2023, L’Oréal ranked among the Top 10 World's Most Attractive Employers (Universum).
 
 Ambitious Sustainability Goals for 2030

L’Oréal’s future program outlines major goals aligned with environmental regeneration, climate action, and social impact:
 

Economic Engine and Resilience: What Drives L’Oréal’s Revenue?
 
L’Oréal’s primary revenue driver is anchored on its cosmetics and skincare portfolio, structured across four strategic divisions: 
 

In 2024, L’Oréal reported €43.5 billion in global sales, with Luxe and Active Cosmetics posting the highest growth rates, driven by:
 

 Green Leadership and Financial Resilience

CEO Nicolas Hieronimus continues to drive value through digitalization, green innovation, and consumer-centric personalization. Under his leadership, L’Oréal:
 

 Innovation Beyond Cosmetics

 L’Oréal remains at the cutting edge of beauty-tech and green science through:

Addressing L’Oréal Challenges and Celebrating Achievements
 
Challenges:

Achievements:

Lessons for Future-Forward Businesses
 
Sustainability is strategy: Align business goals with environmental and social impact.
Innovation must be inclusive and responsible.
Digital ethics and beauty-tech are essential for modern engagement.
Diverse leadership and inclusive products build global resonance and brand trust. 
Internal succession that reinforces continuity and deep institutional knowledge.

Youth unemployment continues to cast a long shadow over Europe’s future. Despite recovering from the Eurozone crisis and recent economic shocks, young people across the EU still face unemployment rates more than double the overall population. This persistent inequality threatens not only individual livelihoods but also Europe’s broader economic resilience and social cohesion.

Youth Unemployment: A Story of Regional Disparities

As of early 2025, the European Union has an estimated unemployment rate of around 6%. However, among young people aged 15–24, the rate rises to approximately 14%, according to data from Eurostat (2025). In certain member countries, the situation is even more severe. Spain’s youth unemployment rate exceeds 27%, with Greece and Italy following closely, where more than one in four young people are out of work.

These disparities reflect long-standing structural issues: rigid labor markets, sluggish economic growth, and educational systems often misaligned with evolving labor market needs. In many Southern and Eastern European countries, young people face either underemployment, precarious short-term roles, or complete exclusion from job markets.

By contrast, nations like Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands report youth unemployment rates below 10%, largely due to dual vocational training systems, robust industrial sectors, and effective school-to-work transition mechanisms (OECD, 2023).

Root Causes Behind Youth Joblessness

Youth unemployment in Europe is influenced by multiple interconnected challenges, including:

Opportunities Emerging from Crisis

Despite these persistent obstacles, there are reasons for optimism. Europe’s transition to a digital and green economy is driving demand for new skills and jobs in sectors such as clean energy, information technology, and sustainable infrastructure. These areas are increasingly attractive to environmentally and socially conscious younger generations.

Initiatives like the EU Youth Guarantee, which promises access to employment, continued education, or training within four months of becoming unemployed or leaving formal education, have made a tangible impact in several countries. For instance, Finland and Austria have reported successful outcomes due to strong coordination between public employment services, training institutions, and private sector stakeholders (European Commission, 2024).

Moreover, a rising entrepreneurial spirit among European youth is reshaping traditional job-seeking patterns. Start-up ecosystems in cities like Berlin, Lisbon, and Tallinn are fostering innovation through co-working spaces, mentorship networks, and funding opportunities, creating viable alternatives to conventional employment.

 The Road Ahead:  EU Policy and Practice

Addressing youth unemployment demands coordinated, forward-thinking action across multiple fronts:

 The Next Decade Will Define a Generation 

Europe stands at a critical juncture. Youth unemployment remains a formidable challenge, but the tools to address it, education reform, targeted investment, and inclusive innovation, are within reach. The next decade will determine whether the continent can harness its young population’s potential or allow inequalities to deepen.

Will Europe seize this opportunity to unlock the full promise of its youth?

The answer will shape not only the continent’s future, but the fate of an entire generation.

In 2025, North America is experiencing a robust surge in venture capital (VC) investment, a turning point toward larger, high-impact investments in emerging technologies. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been at the forefront of this surge, with other key sectors like healthcare, fintech, and cybersecurity also attracting investor attention. This dynamic shift represents a revitalized and evolving venture ecosystem, where high-quality ventures and scalable innovations are the points of capital focus. 

AI Leads the Investment Charge

Artificial intelligence now forms the pillar of today's VC boom. In 2024, U.S.-based AI startups raised a record $97 billion and accounted for close to half of all venture investment in the nation. The record injection of capital was fuelled by large funding rounds into leaders of the AI category, such as OpenAI, Elon Musk's X AI, and Anthropic. As early as 2025, OpenAI raised $40 billion in funds, led by SoftBank, which valued the company at an astonishing $300 billion. The investment is a testament to the unprecedented faith that investors have in AI and its revolutionary capacity. 

AI Innovation Powers Industry Transformation

The speed of AI investment doesn't seem to be slowing down. There has been an even stronger emphasis on AI in 2025, and many AI startups have attracted significant amounts of capital. The rapid acceleration in machine learning, neural networks, and generative AI is revolutionizing healthcare, finance, defence, and enterprise applications. For instance, the capacity of AI to automate functions, improve decision-making, and deliver predictive analysis is transforming a broad spectrum of industries, putting AI startups at the vanguard of innovation and investment. 

Record-Breaking VC Investment Trends

Aside from AI, the venture capital universe is booming. The first quarter of 2025 recorded a stunning 50% rise in VC investment in comparison with the same quarter of the previous year, with U.S. startups raising about $24 billion in funding. This growth is representative of a bigger trend in the VC space, where the focus is being placed on the development of larger investments in fewer, yet more prospective projects. Startups raised $10.1 billion in February 2025 alone through 314 deals, a dramatic increase over the same timeframe in 2024. The money raised not only points to the expansion of the startup ecosystem but also to a more strategic, thoughtful investment strategy.

Investor Focus Shifts to Scalable, High-Quality Ventures 

Venture capitalists are becoming very choosy with a strong penchant for startups with scalability and good business models. This is indicative of the evolving nature of the venture capital industry, where investors want companies with the potential to deliver long-term success as opposed to mere quick growth. The investments are usually focused on companies with cutting-edge solutions with the potential to disrupt existing markets or even create new ones. Such a hold-on-to-the-high-potential-high-quality-one’s approach has also been reinforced by the growing complexity and risk involved in new technologies. 

Though established venture capital firms continue to dominate the financing landscape, newcomers are also entering the fray, riding the shifting market. Venture firms like Sunflower Capital, supported by Sequoia veteran Liu Jiang, raised significant funds despite the fundraising environment being competitive. Sunflower Capital collected $150 million for its second fund in weeks, more than the initial target. The newer funds are focusing on seed and pre-seed investments, particularly in the fields of AI, fintech, healthcare, and open-source software. This new generation of venture companies is transforming the process of funding by emphasizing early-stage innovation, and their ability to spot the next big thing has been a tremendous resource in an increasingly dynamic market. 

Beyond AI: Fintech, Healthcare, and Cybersecurity Thrive 

Aside from AI, other sectors are also seeing significant capital flows. The healthcare and biotech industries have become the top sectors of interest, attracting multi-billion-dollar investments in 2025 alone, with investors focusing on startups pushing innovation in telehealth, personalized medicine, and healthcare data management. Similarly, fintech remains a catchphrase sector, drawing substantial venture backing, especially in areas like digital banking, blockchain, and new payment systems that continue to disrupt traditional financial products. Cybersecurity is also receiving strong funding boosts, reflecting the urgent demand for robust security solutions in an era of escalating digital threats.

A Strategic Outlook for the Future of VC

The prospects for venture capital investments in 2025 appear to be rosy with continued investing in innovative technologies and AI. Investors become increasingly conservative, however, and they are looking at ventures that not only demonstrate disruption but also a viable route to profitability. With the venture capital market maturing, investors want ventures that have business models in place that position them to scale and endure market volatility and policy shifts. Through all the challenges in between, the prospect for venture capital in North America in the long term seems to be bright, and increasingly, startups seek to disrupt industries and drive innovation.

North America’s Innovation Momentum Builds

Overall, the increase in venture capital investment in 2025 reflects the robust and maturing startup ecosystem in North America. With AI at the forefront, investors increasingly target high-growth and innovative solutions that have the ability to transform industries. The focus on high-quality and high-potential ventures reflects the maturing of the venture capital ecosystem, and it will continue to grow. North America leads the world in technology innovation, and the venture capital ecosystem continues to fuel the development of next-generation solutions across industries. 

In April 2025, Kenyan President William Ruto initiated a pivotal state visit to Beijing, marking a watershed in Kenya-China relations. During his third visit to China as president, President Ruto engaged in top-level negotiations that resulted in the signing of over 20 bilateral agreements. 

These agreements underscore cooperation in vital sectors such as infrastructure, digital innovation, green energy, education, and cultural exchange. As traditional Western partners reduce foreign investment or redirect focus to domestic priorities, Kenya's alignment with Beijing represents a deliberate realignment of global partnerships in pursuit of long-term national interests. 

Historical Context of Kenya-China Relations 

Kenya’s cooperation with China dates to the early 2000s, with notable milestones such as the 2006 Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement, which opened doors for concessional loans and infrastructural aid. The 2014 agreement for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), valued at $3.6 billion, was funded largely by the Export-Import Bank of China.

In 2018, Kenya formally engaged with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), positioning itself as a key gateway in East Africa. By 2024, China had funded more than $9 billion worth of projects in Kenya, including roads, ports, energy, and real estate. Today, more than 400 Chinese companies operate in Kenya, and two-way trade stood at $8.6 billion in 2024, making China one of Kenya’s top trading partners. 

Standard Gauge Railway: A Cornerstone Project 

One of the bedrocks of the new 2025 compacts is the much-anticipated expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway. The originally Mombasa-Nairobi, then Naivasha-bound, project will now extend to the Malaba border town to Uganda. The expansion will significantly reduce the time and cost of cargo movement, improving trade and integration at the regional level under the East African Community (EAC). China's financial and technical support underscores Beijing's broader Belt and Road Initiative ambitions and trust in Kenya as a regional transport hub. 

From Aid to Investment: A Strategic Shift 

President Ruto emphasized that the relationship with China is about mutual benefit and sustainable investment, moving away from traditional aid dependency. "We are focusing on trade and transformative investment, not dependency," Ruto said. 

Rising Debt and Calls for Transparency 

However, the tighter embrace of Chinese investment has drawn scrutiny. Kenya's total public debt is approximately Ksh 11 trillion (≈ $82 billion), with a significant portion owed to China. In the 2024/25 financial year, Kenya is set to pay Ksh 46.7 billion in interest to China's Export-Import Bank. Critics, including economists and civil society, have called for greater transparency and strategic planning to ensure that the debt burden does not outweigh developmental benefits. Dr. Mercy Mutua of the Institute of Public Finance Kenya noted that the key issue is not the source of funds, but how responsibly they are used. 

Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy 

Beyond infrastructure, China is investing in soft power strategies. These include increased scholarships for Kenyan students to study in China, expanded support for Confucius Institutes in Kenyan universities, and cultural exchange programs and language learning initiatives. This dimension of the relationship aims to foster deeper, long-term ties through education, shared values, and diplomacy. 

Geopolitical Implications and Western Reactions 

Kenya’s pivot toward China has significant geopolitical and economic implications. Europe and the US view the alignment as a challenge to their traditional influence in East Africa. This may prompt renewed interest in offering competitive trade deals or development finance packages, as well as pressure on Kenya through international financial institutions regarding debt transparency and governance.

On the other hand, some EU countries may see this as a wake-up call to improve their investment strategies in Africa, focusing more on sustainability and innovation. The US, especially under current geopolitical tensions with China, might interpret Kenya’s stance as part of a broader “Global South shift” and could either increase diplomatic engagement or seek to counterbalance Chinese influence through multilateral forums like the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) or the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). 

Balancing Strategy and Sovereignty 

With the ongoing realignment in global power and economic flows, Kenya’s deepening relationship with China is both strategic and pragmatic. Infrastructure needs, trade ambitions, and a desire for diversified partnerships shape it. However, Kenya must tread carefully to balance national sovereignty, debt sustainability, and long-term development goals. How Europe and the US respond could redefine not just Kenya’s future, but also the broader nature of global engagement with Africa.