Issue Brief Series: Guest Farmworker Programs in the U.S.

Overview

As immigration enforcement intensifies and economic pressures strain U.S. agriculture, the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program has become both critical and controversial in filling farm jobs.

The RESPIRAR Project is releasing a series of issue briefs that break down key aspects of the H-2A program: From its origins and connection to other guestworker programs to the application process, wages, and paycheck deductions. Drawing on Department of Labor regulations, worker testimony, and on-the-ground research, the briefs reveal how the program operates in practice and where vulnerabilities and controversies arise.

At a time when the agricultural industry and work visa programs are under heightened scrutiny, understanding the nuances of worker rights, fair wages, and employer accountability is essential. These briefs aim to provide policymakers, advocates, and community partners with clear, accessible information to guide their work.