Concerns Over Economic Impact as Wages for Migrant Labor Rise in Georgia
Georgia’s Attorney General Chris Carr, who is also running for governor, is urging the incoming Trump administration to address the rising wages for migrant farm workers under the H-2A program. Carr has raised concerns that higher pay rates could threaten the state’s agricultural industry, which plays a significant role in Georgia’s economy.
Carr’s office has formally requested that the incoming administration work with state leaders to manage these wage increases, which, if unchecked, could drive up costs for farmers and harm Georgia’s competitive edge in the agricultural sector. His call comes at a time when wages for migrant farm workers are set to rise sharply in the state, raising alarm among Georgia’s agricultural community.
Rising Costs: The Strain on Georgia’s Farmers
Under the H-2A program, the U.S. government sets wage rates for migrant workers when there aren’t enough local laborers available to fill agricultural jobs. These rates are often higher than what U.S. workers are paid to ensure that farmers do not rely on foreign laborers at the expense of American workers.
In Georgia, the wages for H-2A workers are set to increase by a substantial 9.5%, from $14.68 to $16.08 per hour. This increase is part of a nationwide trend, with the average wage for H-2A workers rising 4.5%, according to the U.S. Farm Bureau. This change is particularly concerning to Georgia farmers, who already face high operational costs.
The rising wages come on the heels of a national wage increase for civilian workers, which went up by 3.9% between September 2023 and 2024. In contrast, the increase for H-2A workers in Georgia far exceeds the average wage growth for domestic workers, making it difficult for farmers to maintain profitability.
The H-2A program, designed to provide temporary work visas to foreign workers, has been under scrutiny for these wage hikes. With the costs of visa fees, travel, and lodging expenses factored in, farmers are seeing a significant rise in their total labor costs. Carr’s office argues that these rising costs could undermine the financial health of Georgia’s agricultural industry, which contributes billions to the state’s economy.
The Economic Importance of Agriculture in Georgia
Agriculture is a major driver of Georgia’s economy, contributing $83.6 billion and supporting more than 323,000 jobs in 2022, according to the University of Georgia’s Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development. As the state’s largest sector, it relies heavily on migrant labor to harvest crops such as peaches, peanuts, and cotton.
The increase in H-2A wages is seen as a potential risk to this vital industry. Farmers fear that higher labor costs could make it more difficult for Georgia’s agricultural sector to compete with other states and international markets. Carr’s office has emphasized that the health of the state’s farming industry is tied not only to food security but also to national security and economic stability.
In response, Carr is hoping to partner with the Trump administration to find a solution that balances the needs of workers with the economic realities of Georgia’s farming community. While his office has already reached out to Biden administration officials about the issue, Carr believes that a change in leadership in Washington could lead to relief for farmers struggling with these rising costs.
Farmworkers Still Face Exploitation Despite Wage Increases
While the wage increases may seem beneficial for migrant workers, advocates argue that many H-2A workers still face exploitation and unsafe working conditions. Solimar Mercado-Spencer, director of the Farmworker Rights Division at Georgia Legal Services, pointed out that despite their wages increasing, many migrant workers do not actually receive the pay they are owed.
In some cases, farmworkers work under dangerous conditions, with little recourse to address their grievances. A troubling example of this came in 2021, when law enforcement uncovered a trafficking scheme involving fraudulent use of the H-2A program in what was described as “modern-day slavery” in south Georgia. The sting, called Operation Blooming Onion, resulted in the arrest of several individuals involved in exploiting migrant laborers.
Despite legal protections, migrant workers in Georgia still face significant barriers. Most of the workers come from Mexico, with about 90% of the H-2A workers in Georgia being men. These workers often do not speak English and may be unfamiliar with their rights or the legal system in the U.S. This lack of knowledge leaves them vulnerable to exploitation, making it difficult for them to assert their rights or escape abusive working conditions.
The Risk of Worker Abuse in Georgia
As the state with the second-highest number of H-2A workers, Georgia is a critical location for migrant labor in the agricultural sector. Yet, the increasing number of workers coming to the state also raises concerns about their treatment and exploitation. In many cases, workers are not paid in full or are subjected to unsafe working conditions without the ability to seek help.
While Carr’s focus has been on the economic challenges faced by Georgia’s farmers, advocates like Mercado-Spencer are pushing for greater attention to the plight of migrant workers. They argue that any changes to the H-2A program should also address the human rights concerns surrounding the treatment of these workers.
The current push to curb rising wages is seen by some as an attempt to protect Georgia farmers, but it has raised serious questions about the broader issue of fair treatment for migrant workers, who continue to face some of the worst working conditions in the country.
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