Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman and Department of Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman have publicly stated their opposition to legislation that would make it easier for farmers to hire foreign seasonal workers if they cannot find US laborers. At a joint news conference in Florida, the two cabinet members stated their belief that the current H-2A agricultural worker visa program is adequate, despite vocal opposition from many growers who claim the program is unworkable and they are left with an inadequate number of workers.
The H-2A program requires extensive documentation that adequate recruiting has occurred and minimum workplace conditions are being met. Critics complain the requirements are too cumbersome and farmers would rather take the risk of hiring illegal workers than comply with the rules. In southern Florida, where Herman and Glickman spoke, more than one half of the farm workers in the state are presumed to be illegal.
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