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NEW: Trump has cracked down on nearly every immigration & visa program — except for temporary farmworkers.
I spent 6 months investigating the shocking mistreatment of these guest workers on American farms, who wanted to come to the U.S. "the right way": https://www.nbcnews.com/specials/h2a-visa-program-for-farmworkers-surging-under-trump-and-labor-violations/index.html
I spent 6 months investigating the shocking mistreatment of these guest workers on American farms, who wanted to come to the U.S. "the right way": https://www.nbcnews.com/specials/h2a-visa-program-for-farmworkers-surging-under-trump-and-labor-violations/index.html
The H-2A farmworker visa program has grown exponentially amid Trump's crackdown on undocumented immigrants, who American farmers had long relied on to harvest crops.
It's now the single largest work visa program in the U.S. — outpacing even the H1-B program for tech workers.
It's now the single largest work visa program in the U.S. — outpacing even the H1-B program for tech workers.
But as the H-2A program for farmworkers has grown, so have labor abuses—wage theft, horrific housing conditions, even human trafficking.
The federal gov't is supposed to ensure employers follow the rules. But the Trump admin has continued to cut inspection staff and resources.
The federal gov't is supposed to ensure employers follow the rules. But the Trump admin has continued to cut inspection staff and resources.
The ag industry says most guest workers are treated fairly; they get free housing, transport & above minimum wage.
But the cost & complexity of the program has led more U.S. farmers to outsource hiring workers through contractors—making it easier to turn a blind eye to abuse.
But the cost & complexity of the program has led more U.S. farmers to outsource hiring workers through contractors—making it easier to turn a blind eye to abuse.
The human cost can be heart-breaking: I spoke to poor workers who borrowed thousands to come legally to the U.S. for a few months of tough manual labor.
When the H-2A workers weren't paid, they were trapped —some immediately faced violent threats from debt-collectors.
When the H-2A workers weren't paid, they were trapped —some immediately faced violent threats from debt-collectors.
