Trump's Policies Stir Concerns in Labor and Housing Markets
Farm workers in Washington state, like Alberto, are concerned about the increasing reliance on H-2A foreign guest workers, which they fear is displacing domestic labor. The H-2A program, which allows foreign workers to temporarily work in U.S. agriculture, has grown significantly, with Washington state seeing a doubling of certified workers over the past decade. Critics argue that the program exploits guest workers and undermines local labor, as employers may bypass domestic workers by claiming a lack of available local labor. Organizations like Familias Unidas por la Justicia and Community to Community are advocating for the rights of both domestic and H-2A workers, emphasizing the need for solidarity in the face of changing labor dynamics.