‘Scared of crossing the border’: The Arizona farmers who rely on Mexican workers
Summary
Yuma County farms depend on Mexican workers who cross the border to harvest crops during the winter growing season. Farmer John Boelts said delays in workers’ visas last spring caused him to lose much of several fields, while strict immigration policies and visa-processing problems have made hiring more difficult.Key Facts
- Yuma County farms produce an estimated 70% to 90% of the leafy greens and vegetables consumed in the United States and Canada from November through April.
- The Arizona Farm Bureau estimates that about 15,000 farm workers cross daily from Mexico during the busy season.
- Many workers live in San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico, and cross into Arizona for work.
- Boelts said workers he hired received their visas six days late last spring.
- Boelts estimated the delay may have cost him as much as $100,000 because he lost much of two or three fields.
- Boelts leads Desert Premium Farms and is president of the Arizona Farm Bureau.
- The article says President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies have complicated the flow of farm workers.
- Yuma County farms grow lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and melons using water from the Colorado River.
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