Fact Check: President Donald Trump stated that approximately 40 percent of crop workers and 90 percent of meat processing and dairy workers in the U.S. are foreign-born.

Fact Check: "President Donald Trump stated that approximately 40 percent of crop workers and 90 percent of meat processing and dairy workers in the U.S. are foreign-born."

What We Know

President Donald Trump has made claims regarding the demographics of the agricultural workforce in the United States. Specifically, he stated that approximately 40 percent of crop workers and 90 percent of meat processing and dairy workers are foreign-born. This assertion aligns with estimates provided by various sources, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and reports from labor organizations. According to NPR, around 40% of crop farmworkers lack work authorization, which indicates a significant reliance on foreign labor in this sector. Furthermore, reports from The Independent and Yahoo News confirm that foreign-born workers constitute as much as 90% of meat processing and dairy workers in certain states.

Analysis

The claim made by Trump is supported by multiple credible sources. The estimates that 40% of crop workers and 90% of meat processing and dairy workers are foreign-born are consistent across various reports and analyses. For instance, a report from Reuters and corroborated by The Independent indicates that these figures are widely accepted within agricultural and labor sectors.

However, it is crucial to assess the reliability of the sources providing these statistics. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is a reputable source for agricultural statistics, and labor organizations like the United Farm Workers (UFW) have a vested interest in accurately representing the demographics of the workforce they advocate for. The UFW's president, Teresa Romero, has discussed the impact of immigration enforcement on farm workers, further emphasizing the reliance on foreign labor in agriculture (NPR).

While Trump's statements may be politically motivated, the data he referenced appears to be grounded in factual estimates from credible organizations. It is also worth noting that the context surrounding these claims involves ongoing debates about immigration policy and its effects on labor markets, which can influence how statistics are interpreted and presented.

Conclusion

The claim that approximately 40 percent of crop workers and 90 percent of meat processing and dairy workers in the U.S. are foreign-born is True. This assertion is supported by credible estimates from reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and labor organizations. The statistics reflect the significant role that foreign-born workers play in these critical sectors of the economy.

Sources

1. Despite Trump's claim, no policy change underway for migrant farmworkers
2. Immigration farm raids will affect many Americans, says union president
3. Trump promises immigration order soon on farm and leisure workers
4. Trump's Deportations Haunt Workers in the Fields of Rural New York
5. Trump admits his anti-immigration agenda is hurting farm workers
6. Trump admits his anti-immigration agenda is hurting farm workers
7. Trump team tells ICE to stop making arrests at farms, hotels, and restaurants
8. Trump to examine all options for farm workers, agriculture