Trump’s Immigration Plans Are Already Wrecking the Food Industry
newrepublic.com
Immigrant farm workers are too scared to show up to work.

Summary

Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration policies, including heightened ICE raids, are disrupting the U.S. agricultural sector.

In California’s Central Valley, a key food-producing region, undocumented farm workers—over half the workforce—are staying home out of fear, leaving crops like citrus unharvested.

Bakersfield saw up to 75% of workers absent, sparking concerns of economic devastation and rising food prices.

ICE is also targeting sensitive areas like schools and churches after rolling back Obama-era protections.

Experts warn these policies could lead to widespread economic repercussions.

  • treadful@lemmy.zipEnglish
    35·
    10 hours ago

    I mostly agree. But just because I think they should have an easy path to migrate for work, doesn’t mean they are without fault in the situation.

    • Saleh@feddit.org
      235·
      7 hours ago

      So what is “their fault” in your eyes?

      Fleeing from being murdered or starving? Working twice as much and three times as hard for a much smaller pay, than any “legal” American? Putting in the work, so there is food on your table?

      I struggle to see what fault they own.

      • Sarmyth@lemmy.world
        1·
        60 minutes ago

        You’ve been infected by racism towards Mexico without even noticing. The migrant workers aren’t all at risk of starvation or being murdered. There’s just a better opportunity in the US. It’s just a better life, not often so dire as you are making it out to be.

        People make moves all the time for opportunity. Nothing special here. It’s not the hellscape you are imagining for these millions of people.

      • treadful@lemmy.zipEnglish
        1·
        1 hour ago

        So what is “their fault” in your eyes?

        I think it’s reasonable for a country to want to have an awareness of those that cross into their borders. Regardless of their intentions, they did break the law.

        Fleeing from being murdered or starving?

        We’re talking about temporary migrant workers, not refugees. The refugee situation is also pretty murky and not a black and white issue though.

        Working twice as much and three times as hard for a much smaller pay, than any “legal” American? Putting in the work, so there is food on your table?

        As much as that sounds noble, it sounds more to me like they’re taking a risk to make money and in turn getting exploited because they’re outlaws. Not a great situation. I think deportation is a reasonable response to that (though fuck ICE and their methods).

        What if some highly educated Canadian worker illegally migrated to Germany for a job in IT? They’re accepting a low wage for the job and are doing the noble work of keeping your critical systems running. Is that Canuck completely without fault?

        Look, I think the migrant workers are getting the worst hand in this situation here, but you can’t just completely say they’re innocents either.