Fact Check: Immigrant workers often fill labor shortages in U.S. agriculture.

Published July 1, 2025

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VERDICT

True

# Fact Check: "Immigrant workers often fill labor shortages in U.S. agriculture" ## What We Know The claim that immigrant workers often fill labor sh...

Fact Check: "Immigrant workers often fill labor shortages in U.S. agriculture"

What We Know

The claim that immigrant workers often fill labor shortages in U.S. agriculture is supported by various data sources. According to the Economic Research Service (ERS), hired farmworkers, a significant portion of whom are foreign-born, play an essential role in U.S. agriculture. The ERS states that many of these workers are from Mexico and Central America, and a substantial number lack legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Recent reports indicate that nearly half of the nation's agricultural workforce is undocumented, which underscores the reliance of the agricultural sector on immigrant labor (Newsweek). Furthermore, during recent ICE raids, it was reported that up to 70% of farmworkers stopped reporting to work, leading to significant crop losses and highlighting the critical role these workers play in maintaining agricultural productivity (Reuters).

Analysis

The evidence overwhelmingly supports the claim that immigrant workers are vital to filling labor shortages in U.S. agriculture. The ERS provides comprehensive data showing that hired farmworkers, who constitute less than 1% of all U.S. wage and salary workers, are essential for various agricultural operations, including crop production and livestock management (ERS).

Moreover, reports from Newsweek and Reuters detail the immediate impacts of labor shortages due to immigration enforcement actions, which have resulted in crops being left unharvested and financial strain on farmers. These reports highlight the direct correlation between the availability of immigrant labor and agricultural productivity.

The sources cited are credible and provide a well-rounded view of the situation. The ERS is a reputable government agency that specializes in agricultural economics, while Newsweek and Reuters are established news organizations with a focus on immigration and labor issues. Their reporting is based on verified data and firsthand accounts from industry stakeholders, which adds to the reliability of the information presented.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that immigrant workers often fill labor shortages in U.S. agriculture is true. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that a significant portion of the agricultural workforce is made up of immigrant labor, many of whom are undocumented. This workforce is crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity, and disruptions in their availability have immediate and severe consequences for the industry.

Sources

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