AGRICULTURAL WORKFORCE / IMMIGRATION REFORM

Summary: The agricultural community is dependent on a sustainable workforce now more than ever. Every farm worker engaged in high-value labor intensive crop and livestock production sustains two to three off-farm jobs. The current H-2A ag guest worker visa program is broken and only available for part of the agricultural industry.

ARA position: Support the establishment of a comprehensive immigration reform policy that provides for a new, usable ag guest worker visa program with a reliable verification system, secures the borders, and provides current farm workers the opportunity to apply for legal status through the sponsorship of an eligible agricultural employer.