Policy Experts Say Little Farmers Can Do To Prevent ICE Employee Loss - Cowsmo

Policy Experts Say Little Farmers Can Do To Prevent ICE Employee Loss

A policy expert says there’s little farmers can do to prevent losing employees to immigration enforcement.

American Farm Bureau’s Kristi Boswell tells Brownfield much of the collected documentation is useless.  “Over half of our workforce is gaining employment with fraudulent documents and that’s the system.”

Boswell says even when farmers do everything right, there can still be frustration and instability. “It’s a catch-22 for employers.  There are very strong restrictions on what an employer can do in that process.  They cannot ask for specific documents, they must take those documents on their face, and if they don’t and they make a hiring decision based on those documents, they could face a discrimination lawsuit.”

She tells Brownfield Farm Bureau members have not reported many enforcement-related absences.  “Right now, we’re seeing more disruption or perceived disruption anyway from the anxiety and the fear.  Anecdotally, workers not coming to the farm, just laying low.”

Boswell is encouraged by President Donald Trump’s mention of merit-based immigration reform during his speech to Congress, saying that’s the first public mention of immigration issues beyond enforcement.

By: Larry Lee
Source: Brownfield Ag News

American Farm Bureau’s Kristi Boswell tells Brownfield much of the collected documentation is useless.  “Over half of our workforce is gaining employment with fraudulent documents and that’s the system.”

Boswell says even when farmers do everything right, there can still be frustration and instability. “It’s a catch-22 for employers.  There are very strong restrictions on what an employer can do in that process.  They cannot ask for specific documents, they must take those documents on their face, and if they don’t and they make a hiring decision based on those documents, they could face a discrimination lawsuit.”

She tells Brownfield Farm Bureau members have not reported many enforcement-related absences.  “Right now, we’re seeing more disruption or perceived disruption anyway from the anxiety and the fear.  Anecdotally, workers not coming to the farm, just laying low.”

Boswell is encouraged by President Donald Trump’s mention of merit-based immigration reform during his speech to Congress, saying that’s the first public mention of immigration issues beyond enforcement.

By: Larry Lee
Source: Brownfield Ag News

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