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Texas agriculture risks labor shortages as 42% of crop workers lack authorization

The U.S. agriculture sector, particularly in Texas, faces uncertainty due to immigration policy changes under President Trump. Texas, a leader in farms and ranches, heavily relies on migrant labor, with agriculture contributing over $30 billion annually. Concerns are rising about the potential effects of mass deportations on the workforce and food prices.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 42% of hired crop farm workers lack work authorization. Laramie Adams from the Texas Farm Bureau stated, "It's definitely going to have an impact on our ability to provide an abundant source of food, and if we aren't able to do that, then we're going to have to rely on other countries for that product. Therefore, the prices at the grocery store will go up."

Rep. Joaquin Castro highlighted at a Congressional Hispanic Caucus press conference that "the vast majority of undocumented immigrants are hardworking people who pay taxes and contributed to American society for decades."

Some Texas farmers support more border controls, with Adams noting, "A lot of our farmers and ranchers have suffered the consequences of the border crisis, and so we are very firm and saying, 'we have to control the border.'" He emphasized the importance of immigrant labor, stating, "There aren't a lot of Americans in line to do a lot of these jobs."

Adams sees potential for H-2A visa reform under the new administration. Agriculture Secretary nominee Brooke Rollins committed to supporting farms and dairy producers, stating, "My commitment is to work with all of you to work to solve and do everything we can to make sure that none of these farms or dairy producers are put out of business."

Rollins clarified the administration's focus on deporting those with criminal records, though enforcement actions may affect others without criminal histories.

Source: Spectrum News

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