Brooke Rollins, Agriculture Secretary, suggested replacing immigrant farmworkers with automation and U.S. citizens on Medicaid, causing backlash from California farmers and worker groups who found the idea unrealistic. Helen McGrath, a farmer, expressed that such comments reflect ignorance about food production realities. Reports indicate that 42% of crop farmworkers lack work authorization, particularly in California. Recent immigration raids have led to worker fears and absenteeism, which farm owners report is affecting their operations. President Trump had previously acknowledged the agriculture industry's concerns about enforcing strict immigration policies.
"After Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said that immigrant farmworkers could be replaced with automation and 'able-bodied' U.S. citizens on Medicaid, groups representing farmers and workers challenged this notion as unrealistic."
"Rollins stated that there would be no amnesty, and deportations would continue strategically, pushing for '100% American participation' in the workforce, which seems out of touch with the realities of the agriculture sector."
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