President Barack Obama’s executive order on immigration will affect indirectly at least 250,000 and perhaps as many as 500,000 farm workers, says Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. During a tele-conference, Vilsack said “it’s going to provide a bit more stability in terms of the agricultural workforce.” The executive order delays deportation of people who have been in the country for at least five years and who have a family member who is a U.S. citizen.
When asked, Vilsack said he has seen estimates as low as 250,000 and as high as 500,000 for the number of farm workers affected.
Said, the United Farm Workers union, “The president’s action will allow at least 250,000 of America’s current professional farm workers who feed our nation to apply for temporary legal status and work permits. Farm workers who have lived in the United States for five years and have children who are US citizens or Legal Permanent Residents, pass a criminal background check, pay all of their taxes, and pay a fee will be able to work and live in the United States without fear of deportation.”
The union said it would continue to work for reform of immigration laws affecting farm workers.
A semi-annual USDA report said there were 838,000 farm workers at mid-summer, down 8 percent from the same point in 2013.