Vanishing Fields: The Critical Impact of Eliminating Migrant Farm Workers in the U.S.

Based on the available data and calculations, it is estimated that there are approximately 1.17 million undocumented migrant farm workers in the United States.

Regarding the impact of eliminating migrant farm workers from the U.S., several significant effects could be anticipated:

1. Increase in Food Prices:

   • Migrant workers play a crucial role in the agricultural sector, often performing labor-intensive tasks at lower wages. Without them, labor costs could rise significantly, leading to increased food prices for consumers.
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2. Labor Shortages:

   • The U.S. agricultural sector might face severe labor shortages, as domestic workers often do not fill these roles due to the physically demanding and low-paying nature of the work.
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3. Impact on Crop Production:

   • A reduced workforce could lead to delays in planting and harvesting, impacting the overall crop yield and potentially leading to food shortages or a decrease in the variety of available produce.
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4. Economic Consequences:

   • The agriculture industry contributes significantly to the U.S. economy. A shortage of farm workers could lead to economic losses in this sector, affecting not just farmers but also related industries like food processing and transportation.
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5. Ripple Effect on Rural Communities:

   • Many rural communities depend on agriculture as their economic backbone. A decline in farm labor could adversely affect these communities, leading to increased unemployment and economic downturns.
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6. Food Waste:

   • Without sufficient labor to harvest crops in a timely manner, there could be an increase in food waste, as produce might be left to spoil in the fields.

Did you know that undocumented workers pay taxes?

Migrant farm workers, including those who are undocumented, do pay taxes in the United States. Despite their undocumented status, many contribute to the tax system in various ways:

Sales Taxes: Like all residents, they pay sales taxes on goods and services they purchase.

Property Taxes: Those who rent or own homes indirectly pay property taxes through their rent or directly if they own property.

Income Taxes: Many undocumented workers pay income taxes. They often use Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) to file their taxes, as they usually do not have Social Security numbers. According to the IRS, ITIN filers pay billions of dollars in taxes annually.

Payroll Taxes: Even if they are working under assumed names or social security numbers, payroll taxes are often withheld from their earnings, contributing to social security and Medicare, despite the fact that they may not be eligible for many of the benefits these taxes support.

It's important to note that while paying taxes, undocumented workers often have limited access to government benefits and protections, creating a complex socio-economic situation.

Based on the estimation, if undocumented farm workers were banned in the USA, the country could potentially lose approximately $1.3 billion in tax revenue. This figure is derived by considering the average tax contributions of undocumented immigrants and applying it to the estimated number of undocumented farm workers in the agricultural sector. This calculation provides a general idea of the financial impact such a policy could have on tax revenues. In summary, the elimination of migrant farm workers could have far-reaching consequences, including increased food costs, labor shortages, negative impacts on crop production, economic challenges, adverse effects on rural communities, and increased food waste. ​

Reference.
A Profile of Undocumented Agricultural Workers in the United States, Center for Migrant Studies.