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Farmers in Florida warned that this season there may be less foreign labor available to work in the fields due to fears of immigration raids and stricter controls, even among workers with legal status.
The agricultural sector of the state supports over 2.2 million jobs and contributes nearly 132 billion dollars to the local economy, according to data from the Florida Department of Agriculture cited by FOX 13 News.
A large portion of that workforce relies on the H-2A visa program, which allows for the temporary hiring of foreign workers when there are not enough Americans willing to fill the positions.
In Plant City, one of the most important agricultural areas, producer Lee Wroten stated that almost his entire workforce is made up of H-2A visa workers.
"It's almost all the staff: those who operate the tractors, the gatherers, and even some supervisors," he explained.
Wroten pointed out that several farmers fear they will not be able to fill their workforce this year, as many foreign workers have chosen not to apply for fear of being detained by immigration authorities.
“Without the H-2A program, we would be in a very difficult situation. It’s hard work, under the sun, and most Americans don’t want to do it. Without them, the crops rot in the field,” said the farmer to FOX 13 News.
The producer reported that recently some of his employees were detained by police officers during a traffic stop, despite having their documents in order.
"It scared them a little. I told them to always carry their papers and to respect all the signs," he added.
Chris Ball, executive director of másLabor, one of the largest agricultural labor recruitment agencies in the country, explained that the situation is occurring in various counties across Florida.
"Workers are feeling anxious. They see news of deportations and more actions from ICE, which creates fear even among those who come legally," he stated.
Uncertainty could impact the productivity of Florida's agricultural sector right in the middle of the harvest season, when foreign labor is essential to maintain crops and prevent million-dollar losses.
Amid growing tensions in the Florida agricultural sector, new regulations imposed by the federal government are tightening the process for requesting foreign agricultural workers under the H-2A program, directly affecting producers who rely on this workforce to sustain their harvests.
The U.S. Department of Labor implemented additional requirements that increase the administrative burden on employers and reduce the flexibility for temporary hiring, leading to uncertainty and protests in key agricultural sectors in Florida.
Donald Trump publicly acknowledged the importance of immigrants in agricultural work, especially in areas such as harvesting, but he refrained from committing to a clear labor protection policy for these workers.
Although he hinted at possible immigration exceptions for essential sectors, no concrete relief has materialized, which has increased fear of raids even among those who are in legal status through temporary visas.
Discontent Among Farmers and Rural Business Owners has been evident in recent months, due to the combined effects of deportations, the suspension of humanitarian parole programs, and the removal of labor protections.
Various organizations have warned about the risk of million-dollar losses if seasonal worker flow is not guaranteed. The contradiction between the needs of the productive sector and current immigration policy has left thousands of laborers in a legal limbo and employers without viable alternatives to fill their workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Agricultural Worker Shortage in Florida and Immigration Policies
Why is less foreign labor expected in Florida this season?
Less foreign labor is expected due to fears of immigration raids and the tightening of controls, even among workers with legal status, which has discouraged many from applying for H-2A visas, essential for Florida's agricultural sector.
How does the lack of foreign workers affect agriculture in Florida?
The lack of foreign workers could severely impact the productivity of Florida's fields, especially during the harvest season, as without them, the crops might go unharvested, resulting in millions in losses for local farmers.
What is the H-2A visa program and why is it important for Florida farmers?
The H-2A visa program allows the temporary hiring of foreign workers when there are not enough Americans willing to fill the positions. It is crucial for agriculture in Florida, as much of its workforce relies on this program to maintain operations and prevent crop loss.
What is the impact of Trump's immigration policies on sectors such as agriculture?
Trump's immigration policies have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in sectors such as agriculture, which largely depend on migrant labor. Raids and the threat of mass deportation are undermining the economic foundation of entire communities, especially in states like Florida.
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