Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector could face severe labor shortages due to Trump’s deportation plans, impacting many undocumented workers.
With the labor shortage already a problem, Trump’s promise of mass deportations could make things worse. Lerae Kroon from the Pennsylvania Farmworker Project warns that this could lead to chaos for families who depend on these workers.
Many of these undocumented workers support families, and if they’re swept up in raids, it’ll hurt everyone. Even those with proper documentation might think twice about staying in agricultural jobs.
Kroon says there’s already a growing fear among immigrants in Pennsylvania. People are feeling the pressure from anti-immigrant sentiments, and it’s pushing them further into hiding.
State officials are urging Trump to be careful with any immigration changes, especially since seasonal workers are vital for the industry. Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized the need to fill workforce gaps in agriculture.
He’s been working on programs to attract younger workers and wants to ensure that immigrant labor can continue legally. While he didn’t mention Trump directly, he acknowledged the president-elect’s plans for mass deportations.
Shapiro believes thoughtful immigration reform is essential for the agricultural sector. He’s ready to see what Trump will actually do, as the situation is still unfolding.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture estimates that nearly half of the crop farm workers might be undocumented. Immigrants make up about 9.7% of the state’s workforce, with many in agriculture.
Industries like dairy and fruit farms rely heavily on migrant labor. Kroon points out that these jobs are tough and often low-paying, but undocumented workers are willing to take them.
Trump has said he might focus on deporting criminals first, but he’s also hinted at broader deportation plans.
Shapiro’s response aligns with other Democratic leaders who are pushing back against Trump’s immigration policies. He has a history of opposing Trump’s actions, like the family separation policy.
State Rep. Jose Giral warns that mass deportations would devastate Pennsylvania’s agriculture, which is a major economic driver. He believes the focus should be on reforming immigration rather than targeting essential workers.
Some Democrats, like Senator John Fetterman, are open to working with Republicans on immigration reform. He recently supported a GOP-led bill related to undocumented immigrants.
The bill would allow ICE to detain undocumented immigrants charged with theft-related crimes. Recent polls show growing public support for deportations.
Senator Dave McCormick also spoke about immigration at a recent event, emphasizing the need for border security first, then legal immigration reform. He highlighted the need for H-2A visas for agricultural workers.
However, the current H-2A program may not be enough to replace undocumented workers if deportations happen. Fisher from the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau expressed concerns about the program’s capacity.
The Farm Bureau is advocating for changes to make it easier for farmers to hire seasonal workers. But the process can be complicated and costly, making it hard for employers.
Fisher noted that while they want to ensure worker safety, practicality is also important. She’s hearing worries from farmers about potential deportation impacts but advises them to wait and see what happens.
