will h-2a solve problem of migrant labor shortage? In October 2017 Susan Selasky of the Detroit Free Press wrote an article entitled, "Michigan Apple Growers Could Lose Millions Without Migrant Workers." The article highlights threats to Michigan's agricultural outputs due to "enforcement only immigration reform." The Michigan Apple Company (MAC) told the Detroit Free Press that they fear a projected 61% decline in fruit production following "enforcement only immigration reform." Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, anxieties among migrant workers have been high, particularly for those from countries such as Mexico. The result has been a labor shortage that will lead to declines in harvest as migrant workers are choosing not to return for work on U.S. farms. Migrant workers such as those interview by Selasky are highly-skilled laborers who can hand pick apples and fill around 10 boxes per day, with each box equalling 800 pounds of apples. However, not all migrant workers are documented, which creates an even greater fear for those who would have otherwise taken their chances in crossing the border for work. Harvesting jobs such as apple picking cannot be done by machines and require field laborers. What can be done?
While the future of farming may seem bleak, programs such as H-2A may be the saving grace for farmers in Michigan. As Republicans continue to close U.S. borders, H-2A allows for farmers to fund migrant workers through the visa work program. According to Brett Anderson of AB Orchards in Sparta, Michigan, hiring H-2A workers costs 25-30% more than hiring workers outside of the program. This is because they must pay for the visa (an estimated $1,500-1,600 per worker), but the tradeoff for farmers is knowing that they will have enough labor to harvest their crops. However, many farmers choose against hiring H-2A workers because of the higher cost. Hiring migrant workers through the H-2A program also ensures legality and that the workers will be paid and given favorable living conditions during their work stay. Selasky's article ends with the details regarding H-2A and also notes Bob Goodlatte's (R-Virginia) Agricultural Guestworker Act 2017 bill, which had not yet been voted down. Only time will tell whether programs such as H-2A will herald in a new era of migrant farming. Click here for more info on H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers
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