The Trump Administration’s deportation efforts have sparked concern among some in the ag industry, who claim that undocumented immigrant workers are avoiding their workplaces out of fear, causing production and price concerns.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) told ag reporters this week that he does not buy that claim:
“Don’t talk to me about the impact of deportation on the economy. Because right now we’re getting rid of people on the terrorist watchlist. We’re getting people with criminal elements, and no business person in the United States is going to hire people who are terrorists or criminals. So deporting them is going to have zero impact on the economy, and then there’s another category of people. A massive number of people... who have been adjudicated by our courts as not being entitled to asylum in the United States. And so, it’s been determined that they shouldn’t be in this country. So, let’s get rid of those, you know, whatever it adds up to — 1.5 million to 2 million people. Maybe a year from now, ask me the question about the impact it might have on the economy, but everything we’re doing right now has no impact on the economy.”
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
Sen. Grassley’s home state of Iowa is estimated to be home to nearly 105,000 undocumented immigrants.
The Economic Policy Institute says that many of those workers are at Tyson’s processing plants. Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered Iowa law enforcement officials to assist federal agencies in cases involving undocumented immigrants.
The dairy industry is facing similar challenges.
International Dairy Foods Association CEO Michael Dykes says that reforming legal foreign ag worker pathways will be a major priority for the industry this year. That includes pushing for year-round H-2A worker programs. Dykres argues that as more mass deportations take place, the dairy industry will need to find ways to make the legal process work.
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Farmers who rely on H-2A workers will see a few key changes to speed up the process and make it fairer. On the ground, producers say labor issues create shortfalls in otherwise productive harvests.
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