A Profile of Undocumented Agricultural Workers in the United States

This report provides estimates of the number and demographic characteristics of undocumented workers in the U.S. agricultural sector. It also estimates the number of these workers who may be eligible for obtaining legalization under various legislative proposals introduced in Congress. In all, there are approximately 283,000 undocumented agricultural workers in the U.S., making up 45 percent of the agricultural workforce. Mexican workers comprise the majority — 88 percent. Most of these workers — 71 percent — have been living in the U.S. for more than 10 years. Most undocumented agricultural workers have less than a high school degree and 88 percent of them speak English less than “very well” (the threshold for proficiency). Of the various bills providing relief to undocumented immigrants introduced in this Congress, the US Citizenship Act of 2021 would provide the most relief — virtually all undocumented agricultural workers would be eligible for a legalization program. Under the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021, a large share of undocumented agricultural workers (235,600) would be eligible for legal status. (Maurice Belanger, Maurice Belanger Associates)

Download now or view online.