President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to begin mass deportations on the first day of his second term is concerning thousands of migrant families, particularly in Florida. Many workers in the state, especially in agriculture, rely on the H-2-A visa program, which allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in the U.S.
“There is no such thing as paying people under the table,” said Hank Scott, the president of Long and Scott Farms. “You can’t afford it, can’t afford the penalties if you get caught.”
Ric Freeman, a citrus grower, reassured that those following legal employment practices have little to worry about regarding Trump’s plans. He noted, “It isn’t going to have any effect on us because we have spent the last 15 years switching to H-2-A.” This indicates that many growers are already adapting to regulations to avoid potential fallout from any deportation initiatives.
However, the broader implications of mass deportation extend beyond agriculture, affecting industries like construction and hospitality. Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, executive director of the Hope Community Center, expressed the fear permeating the community, stating, “People are afraid!” This anxiety is compounded by the fact that undocumented individuals contribute significantly to the economy, paying over $75 billion a year in taxes, according to the American Immigration Council.
