The United Farm Workers Foundation released a survey on Thursday examining the impact of immigration enforcement on farm workers across the United States. The study gathered responses from 2,250 farm workers, many of whom lack legal immigration status, regarding their experiences with intensified immigration raids and deportations under the current administration.
The survey findings indicate substantial disruption to workers’ lives. Ninety-two percent of respondents reported that raids and deportations have affected their employment, while 90% expressed worry about family separation. Beyond employment concerns, the enforcement actions have influenced daily behavior: 61% reported reducing shopping, 29% said they avoid seeking medical care due to immigration enforcement fears, and 17% expressed concerns about potential forced labor while detained by immigration authorities.
These anxieties persist despite many respondents having deep roots in the country. Eighty percent of survey participants reported living in the United States for more than a decade, while 41% have resided in the country for more than 20 years. One respondent, identified as Yasmine, a Daca recipient and mother of two US citizen children, described how enforcement concerns have affected family activities, including limiting celebrations and requiring discussions with her children about potential family separation scenarios.
Regarding potential solutions, 76% of respondents indicated they want protections from deportation and detention, while 53% expressed interest in pathways to legal status and citizenship. Additionally, 87% said they would be able to visit family in their home countries if Congress enacted immigration reform providing them legal status. The survey comes as agricultural employment encompasses more than 2.6 million workers nationally, with 73% identifying as Hispanic, 66% as noncitizen immigrants, and 47% lacking work authorization according to 2022 data.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that worksite enforcement efforts aim to “protect public safety, national security, and economic stability while rescuing individuals who may be victims of labor trafficking or exploitation.”
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