The U.S. Organic Farms’ Dependence on Foreign Seasonal Farm Workers in the Post 9/11 Drive against Illegal Immigration

DOI: 10.5176/2251-2012_QQE13.07

Authors: Cesar L. Escalante, Ya Wu

Abstract:

This study analyzed farming data prior to the regime of stricter immigration controls and policies to establish the dependence of U.S. farms on foreign laborers to perform seasonal
farm work. The results verified that farmers used high wage offers to lure domestic workers into their farms. Certain demographic and geographical attributes were also found to influence the farms’ demand for seasonal farm labor. Farms usually exhaust the full potentials of family labor contributions and could rely on foreign workers where population
concentration seems to be more inconspicuous.

Keywords: H2A visas, illegal immigrants, Heckman selection method, organic farms, seasonal farm workers