The Hypocritical Relationship with Undocumented Workers
A Broken System
This country has always had a hypocritical relationship with the undocumented workers who keep America’s agricultural, construction, and hospitality industries humming. On one hand, we simply cannot function without them. On the other, xenophobic politicians whip up fear and mistrust of workers on the lowest economic rungs when it serves their purposes. And voters, who may be angry about all sorts of things, often find it easier to blame outsiders for woes they have nothing to do with, such as inflation.
The Economic Consequences of Deportation
President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to deport as many undocumented immigrants as possible threatens devastating consequences for the country’s economy, for prices, and for the people who come to this country to pick our fruits and vegetables, build our homes, and wash our dishes. California, where some economists estimate that half of our 900,000 farmworkers are undocumented, would be especially hard hit.
Farmworkers’ Plight
Joe Del Bosque, 75, has grown cantaloupes, almonds, and asparagus on the San Joaquin Valley’s west side for decades. During the picking season, his employment rolls can swell to as many as 200 workers, none of whom is native-born and white. Some of his workers have lived in the United States with "temporary protected status" for years, some have green cards, and the rest have been able to provide documents that satisfy minimal federal requirements.
A Lot of these Jobs in Agriculture are not Wanted by American Citizens
"A lot of these jobs in agriculture are not wanted by American citizens," Del Bosque told me Wednesday. "And I don’t blame them. It’s hard work in extreme conditions out there that a lot of people don’t want to do at any wage." Also, he said, the work is seasonal. Farmworkers roam from crop to crop based on the time of year. "The people that do it go from one farm to another to another," Del Bosque said. "Who can make a living in this country working a three-month job? It’s not easy."
The Consequences of Raids and Deportations
The prospect of widespread immigration raids and deportations has sent chills down the spines of farmworkers and their bosses, many of whom remember when employment shortages left produce rotting in the fields as recently as 10 years ago.
A Call for Immigration Reform
"We need to get together and agree we need some form of immigration reform, especially for essential workers," said Del Bosque. "They provide food for the country. Can’t get more essential than that."
Conclusion
This country’s immigration system is broken, and it’s illegal to hire undocumented workers. But employers do so anyway because they can’t function without this human capital. With rare exceptions, the government looks the other way. In fact, the odds that an employer will face an inspection by immigration authorities are even less than a taxpayer’s likelihood of being audited by the Internal Revenue Service.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of the US immigration system?
A: The US immigration system is broken, with many undocumented workers being exploited and mistreated.
Q: What is the impact of deportation on the economy?
A: Deportation would have devastating consequences for the country’s economy, prices, and the people who come to this country to work.
Q: What is the situation like for farmworkers?
A: Farmworkers, such as those in California, face difficult working conditions, seasonal employment, and the threat of raids and deportations.
Q: What is the solution to this problem?
A: Immigration reform, especially for essential workers, is necessary to address the broken system and ensure the well-being of both workers and the economy.
