Trump's mass deportation plan could hinder US farmers; lead to higher prices

Published On Dec 4, 2024, 6:00 AM

The U.S. agriculture sector may struggle significantly if President-elect Trump implements his proposed mass deportation plan, which directly impacts the availability of migrant workers crucial for farming. Experts believe this would lead to labor shortages, reduced crop yields, and increased consumer prices for agricultural products. Farmers argue that many Americans are unwilling to take on labor-intensive agricultural jobs, making reliance on migrant workers essential. Tariffs on imported goods further complicate the situation, as farmers would be forced to raise wages, ultimately passing on these costs to consumers. The H-2A visa program exists to help alleviate labor shortages but is marred by significant delays and complications.