In two weeks the apple harvest will be underway in Wayne County, New York, but many farmers are concerned they may not have the help they need.
Growers believe it is because of the immigration reform President Trump is proposing to cut migrant workers.
A Wayne County farmer says the proposal could cause him to lose employees who are vital to making sure the fruit doesn't rot.
“It's not just the fruit industry, it's all agriculture,” said Ken VanDewalle.
He has about 50 guys lined up to harvest apples on the Wayne County Fruit Sales apple farm. All of the migrant workers he hires are in the United States on H2A visas.
“Just happy to have a job," says Louise, who is here from Mexico. "It’s a great opportunity. That's how you make a living,” he says.
This is Louise's first year harvesting apples. He says Trump's proposal could prevent him from helping his family.
“If we don't have a visa and permit, it's going to be hard,” Louise said.
“The crop will go on the ground and rot. You can only do so much with the labor you have,” VanDewalle explained. “If we lose them [migrant workers], there's no domestic people that want to do the work they do.”
source: 13wham.com
