Stricter immigration actions may reduce farm workforce and raise food costs
The current administration plans to invest a large budget into immigration enforcement through 2029. This effort aims to increase deportations, which may directly affect industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor. Agriculture is one of the most vulnerable sectors, already facing a long-standing labor shortage.
Across the United States, more than seventy percent of farm workers are foreign born, and many do not have legal status. Farmers say that very few native-born workers apply for physically demanding farm jobs. As a result, farms often depend on migrant workers to plant, harvest, and care for crops and livestock.
A blueberry grower in New Jersey reported losing millions of pounds of fruit last season due to a lack of workers. Similar challenges are being reported by dairy, fruit, and vegetable producers in several states. Farm experts warn that stricter enforcement could make these shortages worse and reduce total food production.
The Department of Agriculture has stated a long-term goal of moving toward an all-American farm workforce. However, other leaders within the administration have indicated that farming operations should remain protected. This has created uncertainty about how future enforcement will affect agriculture.