Migrant workers could see negative impact if President shuts down border

Migrant workers who have work visas and cross daily could see a negative impact if President Donald Trump decides to shut down the U.S./ Mexico border.

President Trump’s recent statements regarding closing the southern border now leave migrant workers in fear of what the future might hold.

With harvesting season in full swing, community leaders worry that shutting down the border could directly impact Yuma’s economy.

According to Campesinos Sin Fronteras, there are about 40,000 farm workers in Yuma County and out of those, about 20,000 migrant workers cross daily from San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora.

“It will hurt our agriculture economy, especially if this happens at the peak of the harvesting season and Yuma is the salad bowl of the country. Our vegetables feed this country,” said Emma Torres, Executive Director of Campesinos Sin Fronteras.

John Courtis with Chamber of Commerce said that Yuma County relies on the $3.3 billion of what the agriculture industry brings in each year. He also added that shutting down the border would also impact people’s livelihood.

San Luis Mayor Gerardo Sanchez said he fears of food shortages and price hikes.

“When December comes along and people go to restaurants and order a salad and there is a shortage or they’re paying three times the cost, that will be the consequence,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez also added that farm workers play a vital role on both sides of the border and in our communities.

“To grow the agriculture we need water. Our farmers do a world-class job of conservation, water use, [and] crop rotation to make sure every drop counts,” said Courtis.