The grocery store is going to have to sell to the average American consumer for more.” That is why companies with enough resources, turn to hire migrant workers through the H-2A visa program, which allows for a one-year permit renewable to 3 years, from a pool of 59 countries.
Citizenship and Immigration Services issued 6,084.
However, the process isn’t that simple, Galeazzi said.
“Right now it’s so bureaucratic, there’s so much red tape, other people in the industry actually need legal teams to come in and show them how to get their applications in to get H-2A workers.
Then there’s not guarantee that they get those workers,” Galeazzi said.
At the same time, some Texas produce companies argued foreign workers who usually fill the agricultural jobs is also shrinking.
Especially those who come to the U.S. illegally to find work.
A 30-year-old man who spoke to the KENS 5 Border team and asked to conceal his identity, said he’s fearful that authorities will suddenly arrive to round him up while working in the field.
“But as you put that pressure on there and there’s no legal, or viable system to bring workers over, well then you have a problem, right?” Just as the field laborer’s wishes are to work more freely and have a more secure job, similarly the industry is seeking more liberty to provide that work to keep up with demand.
Meanwhile, Galeazzi said he will be traveling to Washington D.C. next Tuesday where he’s expected to testify on behalf of the agriculture industry and help push for priorities such as immigration reform, trade, and infrastructure before things get too sour.