The Dramatic Rise of Farm Labor Contractors Has Led to Rampant Abuses. Here’s Why Regulators Have Failed to Stop Them.
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A rise in the use of farm labor contractors to recruit and supervise foreign workers in the U.S. has led to widespread abuse, including instances of heatstroke deaths, kidnapping, and confinement. Federal prosecutors in Georgia have likened the exploitation to modern-day slavery, but despite legal efforts, state and federal regulators have failed to effectively curb these abuses. Lax enforcement of existing laws, insufficient numbers of inspectors, and a lack of political will to invest in worker protection contribute to the problem. Experts suggest that requiring farm owners to directly employ and oversee workers, rather than relying on contractors, could be a solution. The continued reliance on the H-2A visa program exacerbates the issue, as farmers depend on contractors to fill seasonal jobs.
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AI-ExtractedFederal prosecutors likened the abuse to a form of modern-day slavery.
American farmers have grown more reliant on contractors to find and oversee H-2A visa workers.
Farm labor contractors have been responsible for abuses such as heatstroke deaths, kidnapping, assault, and confinement of workers.
Enforcement of laws and regulations that could curb exploitation has long been lax.
Regulators are handicapped and incapable of enforcing the regulations.
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