As migrant workers decrease, Idaho farmers struggle
TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) — She was dressed in her best clothes and high heels. The strangers she paid to take her across the border said they would pass her off as a tourist. Instead, she had to brave the desert.
Margarita Partida is a former migrant worker who landed in California before settling in south-central Idaho, The Times-News reported. She used to travel between the two as the seasons demanded: March to November in Idaho and November to March in California.
The number of migrant workers has declined nationwide, and many of those workers who are here now are on an H-2A visa, which allows farmers to bring in foreign workers for seasonal jobs.
The visa program requires farmers to pay its enrolled employees a set minimum wage. Idaho's rate increased 16% from last year to $13.48 per hour. That rate is only 44 cents lower than California. The consistent increase in wages has Magic Valley farmers worried about downsizing or ceasing operations.
Read more: https://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/state/as-migrant-workers-decrease-idaho-farmers-struggle/article_4c8a3ab5-56ee-5b32-983d-80b901c1c289.html