USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins recently said the U.S. is planning for a 100% American workforce” something that South Dakota ag leaders are expressing doubt over regarding if it can be achieved in the farm industry.
SDPB askedGov. Larry Rhodenabout potential impacts of an immigration crackdown on farm workers.
In a news conference, Rollinssaid mass deportations of undocumented immigrants are planned for every industry. She said that extends to agriculture and there will be no amnesty for migrant workers on farms.
If that were to happen, it could hurt South Dakotas No. 1 industry, which relies on the immigrant workforce.
Rhoden said while he hasnt seen Rollinss remarks, he understands where she is coming from.
Well, I think in her position that needs to be the goal, that every migrant worker is here legitimately. And weve seen cases where thats not the case,” Rhoden said.
However, Rhoden said something that concerns him is how business owners who employ undocumented immigrants have been treated in the past.
Whats troubled me more than anything else is when the business owners have been attacked unfairly about having illegal migrant workers here. You know, they were given false information from that worker,” Rhoden said. “I think its imperative that we do take the steps to be sure the people that were hiring, bringing to the United States are here legally.
Current labor laws require ag companies to ensure immigrant applicants have real documentation. If theyre presented with counterfeit documents that look real, they have to accept it. If those real documents are rejected, the farmer is liable to get sued.
Regardless, Rhoden said the plan is to continue supporting the Trump administrations immigration enforcement.
Ive not heard from the industry any great concerns about where were at right now,” Rhoden said. “You know obviously weve taken the steps as a state to cooperate with ICE in the 87G program and providing assistance to them where we can through our Highway Patrol.
Rhoden said hes fully supporting (Homeland Security) Secretary Kristi Noemin her attempts to get rid of the illegal immigrants. He also said he believes Rollins announcement is her putting undocumented workers on notice.
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