Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Evolving immigration policies continue to influence the US agricultural workforce. In an article published in Global Mobility Lawyer, Partner Rachel Beardsley discusses the US Department of Labor’s recent acknowledgment that tighter immigration enforcement could contribute to workforce shortages and affect food production and prices.

Rachel notes that agricultural labor shortages reflect a long-term trend and that immigration visa programs such as H-2A help support workforce stability. She adds that recent changes to the H-2A program adjust wage requirements, which may lower costs for farmers but also highlight the importance of balanced policies that protect workers and assist employers.

She also outlines updates that streamline H-2A visa petitions, helping agricultural employers hire seasonal workers more efficiently while maintaining compliance and vetting standards.

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