The agricultural sector of Pennsylvania, known for its extensive production of fruits, dairy, and mushrooms, is preparing itself for what could be a highly disruptive wave of immigration enforcement proposed under Donald Trump's upcoming presidential term. These concerns are underpinned by Trump's campaign promises of aggressive mass deportation strategies, echoing his controversial policies during his first term eight years ago.
During those earlier years, farmers faced severe disruptions due to federal immigration raids targeting undocumented workers—a group central to maintaining labor on farms across the nation. The rain of deportations primarily affected producers of mushrooms, fruit, and dairy within Pennsylvania, compelling many workers to flee for fear of being arrested.
Now, as the prospect of another Trump administration looms large, experts and farm owners alike express deep concern over the ramifications of his second-term immigration policies. Trump has signaled intentions to revive tactics outlined in his "Project 2025" handbook, including potentially denaturalizing some U.S. citizens, ending birthright citizenship, and empowering local law enforcement to lead deportation efforts.
The potential repercussions are eye-opening. Sarah Lott Zost, whose family has operated Bonnie Brae Fruit Farms for generations, worries about the chilling effect such rhetoric could have on the workforce. “Even if you’re a legal worker, if you are related to a bunch of people who are fleeing because they are scared, are you going to continue migrating to work? Probably not,” she stated. This resonates deeply with many agricultural producers who depend heavily on the labor supply provided by programs like the H-2A visa, which allows seasonal agricultural workers to come to the U.S.
According to Zost, nearly 50% of U.S. domestic seasonal migrant workers are undocumented, underscoring the precarious nature of labor within the agricultural sector. Local economies, such as Adams County—which boasts around 120 fruit farms generating approximately $580 million annually—might face severe hits should workers be deported.
The mushroom industry, the largest of its kind nationwide and generating about $764 million each year, is particularly vulnerable. Anna Paciorek, an immigration attorney familiar with the Kennett Square mushroom farms, describes the current workforce as diverse, including long-time residents as well as new immigrants residing without current legal status. She reflects on the lasting impacts of past ICE raids, stating, "The memories are still fresh among communities like Kennett Square." Under Trump’s anticipated policies, the industry's future appears bleak.
Pennsylvania's agricultural community grapples not only with fears from past experiences but also with the looming uncertainty surrounding labor availability. Jasmine Rivera, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition, highlighted the impossibility of mass deportation, arguing, “You’re talking about the workforce that's the backbone of this country. You’re talking about people who feed communities.”
The economic toll of these rumored changes could be staggering. The American Immigration Council has estimated the one-time expense of deporting 11 to 13 million people could exceed $315 billion, not including the potential losses from disrupted industries.
Meanwhile, across the numerous Pennsylvania dairy farms—nearly 5,000—labor shortages already challenge operators. Dave Smith, of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, strongly affirms the necessity of foreign-born workers to sustain agricultural productivity. This sentiment is echoed around all sectors of agriculture, which yearn for policies offering straightforward paths to legal work for foreign labor. He posited, “A clear path for workers is the goal of all agriculture,” pointing out how farmers struggle to maintain functional operations without reliable labor.
Kelly Fortier, another attorney with years of experience assisting dairy farmers, lamented the lack of stability due to immigration laws restricting temporary work visas. She indicated the significant turnover and pressure existing workers face, thereby pushing many to leave. “I’ve talked to many farmers who say I haven’t taken a vacation in over a decade because I have no one who can do this for me seven days a week,” she conveyed.
The potential for renewed immigration enforcement has many farm owners second-guessing their workforce dynamics. Fortier often meets distressed farmers wondering if they can help their long-term workers gain legal status—a conversation she finds overwhelmingly frustrating, as options often do not exist under current law.
The apprehension surrounding Trump’s return to power highlights challenges not only faced by farm owners and workers but also broader communities. Families intertwining undocumented parents and U.S. citizen children confront fears rooted deeply within their daily lives. Elevated tensions surrounding these immigration policies could breathe new life back to the climate of anxiety resembling those turbulent early days of Trump's first administration.
Pennsylvania stakeholders now find themselves caught between the immediate and consequential choices shaping their industry's future under a potential Trump presidency. The cry for reliable, stable workforce solutions resounds louder with each passing day, but uncertainty lingers heavily as they await developments on the political horizon.
Organic growth solutions and comprehensive immigration reform gaining traction remain at the forefront for many producers reliant on immigrant labor. But the looming threat of new deportation policies hangs heavily, reminding industry leaders of stark vulnerabilities suddenly thrust back onto agriculture’s fragile stage.
On the ground, farm owners such as Zost endeavor to keep their heads down and press on, working to sustain their operations amid uncertainty—all eyes on Washington, searching for clarity and hope within impending policies.
