Recent studies show that some parts of the agricultural industry rely on undocumented workers. But, most migrant farmworkers are either American citizens or working in the country legally. They also generate more in taxes paid than they consume in services received. Illegal immigrants are not eligible to receive most forms of public assistance. The Agricultural Economy It would be impossible to support the multi-billion dollar fruit and vegetable industry in this nation.
Migrants provide seasonal labor at critical periods in crop development.
Farmworkers needed to hand -pick apples or peaches, harvest asparagus chiles, stake up tomatoes, dig potatoes or beets, or work in a packing plant. Domestic production of fruit and vegetable production has steadily increased over the last decade. This income has degreased 5 percent when its adjusted for inflation in the last 10 years. If, migrant farmworkers become disabled or reach retirement age, they are often unable to prove their claims for Social Security benefits. Everyone benefits from farmworkers.