In recent months, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased operations in rural agricultural communities that have long existed somewhat under the radar. Many of these communities have historically understood and embraced their immigrant populations, recognizing their essential contributions to local economies and food production. On the Shore, we understood the situation—it needed to be kept on the down low.
The Biden administration’s use of executive orders to remove border controls put in place by the previous administration has resulted in a significant increase in illegal border crossings. Policies that once mandated stricter enforcement and asylum restrictions were rescinded, leading to a surge of migrants attempting to enter the U.S.
Critics argue that these changes have overwhelmed border security and humanitarian resources, while also creating an environment where more workers enter industries already struggling with labor exploitation. The rollback of certain immigration restrictions has created an incentive for migrants to cross, but without a clear legal framework, many are left in vulnerable situations.
We now have millions of undocumented individuals that we cannot account for. Worse, there are over 200,000+ unaccompanied minors that DHS cannot locate.
For years rural, agriculture-based communities have accepted levels of illegal workers, but that tolerance has now been severely diminished. While many on the Left may blame the current administration for the crackdown, it was the vulgar, stupid, and short-sighted work of Democrats in power that has led to this situation. The goal of using undocumented migrants to pad the census is bogus and counter-productive (see New York). Donald Trump campaigned on the open border issue, and Americans responded.
For those of us who have spent most of our adult lives in rural, AG-driven areas, we understand the symbiotic relationship with our immigrant community—the braindead policies of the Biden Administration have shattered that quiet equilibrium.
Farmers and local leaders in states like Iowa, Nebraska, and Georgia reported an uptick in ICE raids, leading to labor shortages and widespread fear among workers. These communities have been built around agriculture, and immigrants have been an integral part of that. Now, families who have been here for decades are afraid to leave their homes or let their kids go to school.
On the Eastern Shore, we have seen a decline in the workforce, and school attendance is dropping rapidly. Local business owners are also feeling the ripple effects, as fewer workers mean reduced consumer spending.
For now, migrant workers, even those with guest worker visas, continue to bear the brunt of an immigration system that, in the absence of clear policies and protections, as well as a realistic guest worker program leaves them in a precarious position—one where opportunity often comes at a steep cost.
About the Author
Extremely important topic that the shore needs to address. This immigrant related concern will intensify. Both nationally and internationally we are experiencing a demographic cliff -Many years of low and declining birth rates –is leading to the need for and more and more immigrant numbers–and not just in rural environments. The rural areas like the shore may be a step ahead of the more urban centers whose economy is more diverse. These areas will compete for and attract qualified immigrant populations. The following summary highlights this phenomena:
The U.S. Human Pie is shrinking. And it will be until at least 2040.
———————————————————–Low domestic birth rates and high retirement rates——-
This is one of the major reasons I’ve predicted that we will be in a two-decades-long period of historically low unemployment rates.
It means that every employer in the country (business, government and non-profit) will struggle to find talent and to grow. It means that we need every ounce of talent that exists. And it means that the worlds of education and work will accelerate in their merger and we will be developing assertive and high quality immigration strategies including training and assimilation protocols.