BREAKING: Idaho farmers are urgently calling for immigration reform as they emphasize the critical role of migrant workers in the state’s economy. During a recent forum in Idaho Falls, agriculture leaders highlighted that without reform, their operations are at risk.
The event, held at the Bennion Student Union Building on Idaho State University’s Idaho Falls campus, featured prerecorded remarks from Rep. Mike Simpson, who was unable to attend due to a crucial House vote. Simpson expressed strong support for the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, a vital piece of legislation aimed at providing a pathway for agricultural workers. Although it has passed the House twice, it has stagnated in the Senate for the past four years.
Simpson stated, “I think we have the best chance that we have had to pass it right now under this administration. It’s one of my top priorities … to get this done.” The act seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish terms for nonimmigrant workers performing agricultural labor, a measure that could significantly benefit Idaho’s agricultural sector.
At the forum, Zak Miller, CEO of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, underscored the burdensome costs and regulations associated with the current H-2A visa program. He warned that the program is not adequately serving Idaho farmers. “It’s critical to U.S. agriculture … but it’s a bad program, and it’s not serving Idaho well,” Miller said.
Citing statistics from the Idaho Department of Labor, Miller revealed that an alarming 40% of Idaho’s workforce consists of undocumented workers. He argued that many undocumented individuals have lower criminal records than the average U.S. citizen, challenging prevailing misconceptions about this workforce.
Despite support from many Idaho farmers for stricter immigration policies, Miller pointed out that the threat of deportation is causing fear among legal migrants, leading to increased absenteeism in the agricultural sector. “You get absenteeism up and down the community,” he noted, emphasizing the urgent need for reform to stabilize the workforce.
As this situation unfolds, the agricultural community in Idaho is left anxiously awaiting legislative action. Farmers are calling on officials to prioritize workforce stability to ensure the continued viability of the state’s crucial agricultural economy.
The implications of these developments are immense, not only for Idaho farmers but for the broader agricultural landscape across the United States. All eyes are on Congress as the future of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act hangs in the balance, with the potential to reshape the agricultural workforce in Idaho and beyond.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as farmers and lawmakers push for immediate reforms to support the backbone of Idaho’s economy.
