We’ve never had a “humane” policy when it comes to migrant field workers. Just so you know, I used to pick strawberries in the Capristrano Valley, CA, nearly 50 years ago. The Mexicans were hostile towards American field workers then, and they’re certainly more so today.
I disagree that we need foreigners coming here to work in the fields. We need farmers who will stop planting crops requiring hand picking.
I now only buy locally grown produce here in southwest Washington State or grow my own. That is an increasing trend and with the price of transportaion soaring due to gasoline prices, it shows no sign of abating.
If we don’t discontinue bringing in Mexican field workers, then Mexico will follow through with their nearly century and a half desire to take back the western half of the United States.
Only about 4% of all illegal aliens work in the agricultural sector.
I will trump your little venture, by saying I am from a large California family that has owned, planted, worked, tenanted, and operated fields from the Imperial Valley to Oroville. I have met decent Chincanos who were once essential to the rose growers in and around San Jose; in the apricot orchards of the Santa Clara Valley; in the raisen sheds of Fresno; the grape sheds of Arvin. I worked with them in the canneries in San Leandro and Hayward. Many now are proud American citizens. To compare the post-Reagan Chicano influx to those hard working gente decente who existed in previous years is a waste of time and energy.