The President of the United States, Donald Trump, admitted this Tuesday that immigrants play a crucial role in sectors like agriculture, and suggested that his administration is considering adjustments in immigration policies to protect agricultural production.
During an interview with the CNBC network, the Republican leader acknowledged that those being deported are performing jobs that cannot be easily filled by urban residents.
"We have tried to have others do it, but they don't," he said, referring to agricultural employment.
Trump noted that his administration is in discussions with farmers to mitigate the negative effects that deportations could generate in the agricultural sector, which he described as vital for the national economy.
Although he insisted that his priority remains the expulsion of individuals with criminal records, he left open the possibility for some migrants to return legally, even after having been removed from the country.
“We are creating mechanisms for certain workers to be able to return with permission,” he explained.
The leader had already indicated in previous months that sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, and entertainment were feeling the impact of the reduction in foreign labor.
His statements come after a disappointing labor report in July, which revealed a significant loss of jobs held by migrants.
In response, Trump assured that his team is working on new regulations aimed at ensuring a balance between immigration control and the stability of productive sectors.
"We will not do anything that harms our farmers," he promised.
In April, Trump suggested that his government could offer immigration relief to certain undocumented workers in the agricultural and hospitality sectors, allowing them to remain temporarily in the country and then return with legal visas.
"A farmer will come with a letter regarding certain people saying that they are excellent and working hard. We will take a step back for them, and then ultimately, we will bring them back. They will leave, and they are going to return as legal workers," the president stated from the Oval Office.
In this regard, Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar asked the President of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, how much the massive loss of thousands of workers is impacting the U.S. economy as a result of immigration raids.
"We are losing thousands of workers in construction, hospitality, and agriculture due to recent immigration measures. The impact on our economy is already being felt, and these industries cannot operate without them," the congresswoman wrote on X alongside the video of her speech.
“I raised this concern with the president of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, during the hearing of the Financial Services Committee. He agreed: economic growth is slowing down, and that’s one of the reasons,” he added.
Frequently asked questions about Trump's immigration policy and its impact on agriculture
What is Trump's new strategy regarding immigrant farm workers?
Trump is considering adjustments to immigration policies to allow some deported immigrant agricultural workers to return to the country legally. This is due to the importance of these workers in the agricultural sector, which is vital to the U.S. economy.
Why does Trump recognize the importance of immigrants in agriculture?
Trump has acknowledged that immigrants perform jobs in agriculture that urban residents are unwilling to do. This is crucial for maintaining agricultural production and, consequently, the national economy. Without these workers, many sectors would face a labor shortage.
What impacts does Trump's immigration policy have on the rural economy of the United States?
The mass deportation policies of Trump are creating a labor shortage in key sectors such as agriculture, which negatively impacts the food supply chain and the rural economy. Raids and uncertainty have led to a decrease in business activity and difficulties in replacing experienced workers.
How does Trump plan to balance immigration control with the stability of productive sectors?
Trump has promised to work on regulations that ensure a balance between immigration control and the stability of essential sectors such as agriculture. This could include the creation of mechanisms for certain immigrant workers to return legally and the implementation of a "temporary pass" that allows workers to continue working under certain conditions.
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