Key Takeaways:
- Migrant workers in California fear deportation due to anti-immigrant policies.
- Many lack legal documents, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
- Employers may underpay workers who fear reporting abuses.
- Automation is rising in farming as labor challenges grow.
Fear in the Fields: Migrant Workers Speak Out
The planting season is in full swing in California, the top food-producing state in the U.S. But for thousands of migrant workers, the joy of harvest is overshadowed by fear. These workers, who toil to feed the nation, now worry about being deported from the country they’ve called home for years.
Lourdes Cardenas, a 62-year-old Mexican living in Fresno, shared her struggles. “We have to stay hidden,” she said. “You never know if you’ll run into immigration officers. We can’t feel safe anywhere—not in schools, churches, or even supermarkets.”
Cardenas has lived in the U.S. for 22 years but still lacks legal documents. She’s not alone. Over two million farmworkers in the U.S. are in the same boat. Most were born outside the country, and 42% don’t have the papers to work legally, according to government data.
President Donald Trump’s tough talk on immigration has left many workers feeling hopeless. “We’re depressed, sad, and anxious,” Cardenas admitted. “We’re scared of being deported.”
Recent raids in Bakersfield, a farming hub, have heightened fears. In January, immigration officers swept through the city, arresting undocumented workers. For many, it was a harsh reminder that the country they’ve contributed to for decades now wants them gone.
Why Migrant Workers Can’t Walk Away
Despite the fear, migrant workers can’t afford to stop working. Farming is their only livelihood. This puts them in a tough spot. They avoid public places like churches and supermarkets, but skipping work isn’t an option.
Unions like the United Farm Workers agree. “Threatening mass deportations won’t make Americans rush to take these jobs,” said Antonio de Loera, a union spokesperson. “Instead, it will drive down wages even more. Workers who fear deportation are desperate. They’ll accept lower pay and won’t speak up about unfair treatment.”
This situation benefits employers, de Loera explained. “Why would they pay higher wages or improve conditions? Their workers are too scared to demand better pay or report abuses.”
The solution, he said, is simple: give these workers legal status. “Once they’re U.S. citizens, everyone competes fairly. They’ll have the same rights and protections as American workers.”
The Rise of Machines in Farming
As labor challenges grow, farmers are turning to technology for help. At the World Ag Expo in Tulare, companies showcased advanced farming machines. These tools aim to reduce the need for human labor.
One company, Oxbo, introduced a berry harvester that cuts labor needs by 70%. Cory Venable of Oxbo said, “It’s getting harder to find workers. Automation can lower costs and solve labor problems.”
Gary Thompson of Global Unmanned Spray System showed off a device that lets one person handle tasks that used to require a dozen tractors. He said, “Labor shortages and costs are growing. Farmers are embracing automation now, not just as a future idea.”
But not all jobs can be done by machines. Picking delicate fruits like grapes and peaches requires a human touch. “A machine could crush them,” Cardenas said. “We’re indispensable. Farmers need us.”
A Call for Fairness and Protection
The debate over immigration and farming is complex. But one thing is clear: migrant workers are vital to keeping America’s food supply running.
They risk their lives to work in tough conditions. Many have lived here for decades, raising families and contributing to their communities. Yet, they face constant fear and uncertainty.
The solution isn’t just about more machines. It’s also about treating these workers fairly. Union leaders argue that granting legal status would mean everyone—American workers and migrants alike—compete on a level playing field.
For workers like Cardenas, the hope is simple: “We just want to live without fear, work with dignity, and feel safe in the country we’ve called home for so long.”
Until then, the fear in the fields won’t fade. But with more protections and a fair shot, migrant workers can continue to feed America without living in the shadows of uncertainty.