Sisyphus in the Fields The programs that aid migrants call to mind the toils of Sisyphus. Why?

Is there an alternative? Yes: a) reform the labor market b) shift the burden of support from farmers to others in the food chain and consumers

Rather than reforming the migrant labor system, the U.S. government has been persuaded to open the border gates to foreign farm workers, both documented and undocumented. Thus the federal government’s willingness to open the border gates for migrant workers helps to produce wages and working conditions that American workers will not tolerate

History of the Federal Assistance programs: A history of neglect why? Farmworkers not recognized as a permanent feature of the U.S. farm system only in the 1960s

The golden Era for farmworkers – End of the Bracero program Labor Relations Law in California Cesar Chavez and Unionization of farmworkers Wages increased from $.95 an hour in 1965 to 2.43 in % increase

Farm Labor Themes Farmers Perspective Farm worker Advocates Perspective General vs. specific farm labor problems

The persistence of farm labor problems reveals there are powerful incentives to maintain the status quo. Keep the gates open. Why Migrant Assistance Program? Rather than regulate the labor market provide federal programs to get people out of agriculture. Programs were intended to overcome local neglect. They were meant to be transitional.

What is the Justification of Federal efforts for Migrants?

History of Farmworker Assistance Programs Migrant health program-1962 Migrant health program-1962 Migrant Education program-1964 Migrant Education program-1964 Migrant Head Start program-1964 Migrant Head Start program-1964 High School Equivalency Program-1967 High School Equivalency Program-1967 College Assistance Migrant Program-1972 College Assistance Migrant Program-1972 Job Training for Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers Job Training for Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers Other programs: Food Stamps, WIC, Farmworker Legal Services, USDA Housing Other programs: Food Stamps, WIC, Farmworker Legal Services, USDA Housing

The endless quest in the 1990s Fruit and vegetable consumption on the rise Fruit and vegetable consumption on the rise Imports of FVH commodities have been on the rise but by small amounts; NAFTA will shift production to Latin America but U.S. farmers remain competitive. Most of the production will remain in the United States. Imports of FVH commodities have been on the rise but by small amounts; NAFTA will shift production to Latin America but U.S. farmers remain competitive. Most of the production will remain in the United States. Mechanization will not replace workers unless it is economical. Mechanization will not replace workers unless it is economical. Farm unions-prospects are poor Farm unions-prospects are poor Continued Immigration also lowers changes of mechanization. Continued Immigration also lowers changes of mechanization.