Trump suggests farmers could keep workers without legal status

Trump proposes legal path for undocumented farmworkers

Robert Besser
15 Apr 2025, 19:39 GMT+10

Trump suggests farmers could keep workers without legal status

U.S. President Donald Trump said this week that farmers might be allowed to ask the government to keep some farmworkers who are in the country illegally — if those workers first leave the U.S. and then return legally
Trump’s comments, made during a Cabinet meeting, were not very clear but gave the most information so far about his plan for farmworkers without legal papers
Farm groups have warned that deporting many of them could seriously hurt the food supply. Many of these workers also work in meat and dairy industries

WASHINGTON, D.C: U.S. President Donald Trump said this week that farmers might be allowed to ask the government to keep some farmworkers who are in the country illegally — if those workers first leave the U.S. and then return legally.

Trump's comments, made during a Cabinet meeting, were not very clear but gave the most information so far about his plan for farmworkers without legal papers. These workers make up about half of the U.S. farm workforce. Farm groups have warned that deporting many of them could seriously hurt the food supply. Many of these workers also work in meat and dairy industries.

Trump said, "We'll work with farmers who strongly support certain workers. These workers can stay for a while, help the farms, then leave and come back through a legal process. We need to support our farmers and businesses like hotels that rely on these workers."

He added, "A farmer could bring a letter saying a worker is hardworking and important. We'll slow down the process for them, and later they can return as legal workers."