Labor shortages have always been a prevalent issue, but the problem has only increased even more ever since the start of the pandemic during recent years. This conflict has led farmers from around the entire country to unite in a call for comprehensive immigration reform, which they hope will reduce labor shortages and food costs as rising production costs continue to shake the agricultural sector. Several members from the senate are working together to create a solution for these labor shortages. Specifically, the extensively used H-2A temporary work visa program is soon to be altered by Idaho Republican Mike Crapo and Colorado Democrat Michael Bennet in order to grant undocumented farmworkers year-round job-based status with a potential path to citizenship. Granting immigrants temporary citizenship makes a large difference in labor shortages by giving farming operations the employee force they need in order to keep up with consumer demands.
Labor Secretary Marty Walsh urged Congress to progress immigration reform in order to boost the US economy by hiring more necessary workers. Also, over thousands of business leaders from around the country advocate for immigration reform, claiming that greater average salaries, lower unemployment, and lower inflation all stem from having more migrant and H-2A employees.
