Farm Labor Shortages and Immigration Policy
Author: Levine, Linda
Date Published: 2007
The connection between farm labor and immigration policites is a long standing one, particularly with regard to U.S. employers use of workers from Mexico. This report first explains the connection made over the past several years between farm labor and immigration policies. It next examines the composition of the seasonal agricultural labor force and presents the arguments of grower and farm worker advocates concerning its adequacy relative to employer demand. The report then analyzes trends in employment, unemployment, time worked and wages of authorized and unauthorized farm workers to determine whether they are consistent with the existence of a nationwide shortage of domestically available farm workers. The farm labor supply-demand situation by geographic area is examined as well.
Date Published: 2007
The connection between farm labor and immigration policites is a long standing one, particularly with regard to U.S. employers use of workers from Mexico. This report first explains the connection made over the past several years between farm labor and immigration policies. It next examines the composition of the seasonal agricultural labor force and presents the arguments of grower and farm worker advocates concerning its adequacy relative to employer demand. The report then analyzes trends in employment, unemployment, time worked and wages of authorized and unauthorized farm workers to determine whether they are consistent with the existence of a nationwide shortage of domestically available farm workers. The farm labor supply-demand situation by geographic area is examined as well.
