A key campaign commitment from President-elect Donald Trump, involving the mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, could potentially conflict with another goal to reduce grocery prices, as highlighted by migration researchers and advocates. The agricultural sector in Michigan and the broader U.S. heavily relies on migrant labor, with a significant portion of these workers being undocumented. A report by the U.S. Department of Labor, based on nearly 2,600 interviews with migrant crop workers from 2020 to 2022, revealed that only 58% were authorized to work in the U.S.
According to Susan Reed, director of the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, a substantial number of Michigan's agricultural workforce is undocumented, comprising seasonal and year-round farmworkers. The potential large-scale deportation could lead to labor shortages, further exacerbating the economic challenges within the sector. Stephanie Nawyn, an associate professor of sociology at Michigan State University, emphasized the economic dependence on migrants, indicating that the absence of these workers could lead to increased wages and, consequently, higher consumer prices for groceries.
The agricultural industry is a cornerstone of Michigan's economy, generating $125 billion annually and employing nearly 1 million people. Michigan is notably the leading producer of asparagus, a crop requiring manual harvesting. The decline in migrant workers, coupled with the aging workforce, presents significant challenges for the sector, particularly in the context of COVID-19, where organizations like Migrant Legal Aid have provided personal protective equipment to support safe harvesting practices.
The 2024 Republican Party platform has prioritized large-scale deportations, a stance that has raised concerns among Michigan farmers about the sustainability of their labor force. John Kran from the Michigan Farm Bureau emphasized the need for legislative action to address labor shortages and ensure the continued production of affordable, high-quality food. The potential impact of mass deportations on Michigan's agriculture is profound, with Susan Reed highlighting the dangers and uncertainties faced by migrant farmworker families and the broader implications for the state's economy and food costs.
Source: Detroit Free Press