WASHINGTON DC, July 2, 2024—New data analysis by the American Immigration Council found that migrant farm workers are playing a key role in feeding Americans, even as they are increasingly vulnerable to extreme heat.
The data analysis found that farm workers in the U.S. H-2A status—which covers temporary or seasonal agricultural work—are increasingly in demand, in order to pick and clean the fruits, vegetables, and nuts supplied in supermarkets across the country. Over a five-year period (2017-2022), the number of H-2A workers grew nearly 65 percent. And more parts of the country expressed demand for these workers, with the number of counties where employers requested H-2A workers increasing by 35 percent; by 2022, two-thirds of all U.S. counties had H-2A workers.
All this helped fill critical labor shortages across U.S. farms amidst a persistent lack of workers.
“Even as some of our political leaders are pushing a smear campaign against immigrants in order to stoke fear, the reality is that immigrants are keeping us fed and our supermarkets stocked,” said Nan Wu, director of research at the American Immigration Council. “Without this critical support from migrant farm workers, American food production would wither, and families already grappling with high grocery bills would pay the price….”
American Immigration Council, July 2, 2024
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