The Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) has endorsed legislation that critics warn could grant amnesty to thousands of foreign workers in America's agricultural industry.
If passed and signed into law, the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act of 2026 would expand labor certifications to up to three years in year-round industries and change the definition of "agricultural labor" to include meat and poultry slaughter, logging, and aquaculture. To qualify, an alien must have been present in the United States illegally on May 31, 2026, and be able to provide proof of agricultural work history in America.
On Wednesday, ALFA explained its support for the bill.
"The Alabama Farmers Federation is committed to a secure border, a legal and reliable agricultural workforce, and providing the safest and most abundant food supply in the world," Blake Thaxton, commodity director for ALFA, told 1819 News. "A reliable workforce in Alabama agriculture includes nearly 2,000 H-2A guest workers who help fill seasonal positions that employers have been unable to fill through domestic recruitment."
Continued Thaxton, "The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act, introduced by Chairman G.T. Thompson, proposes reforms to the H-2A program that make it more efficient, provide greater wage predictability for farmers, and strengthen its ability to provide American agriculture with a legal workforce. Alabama farmers who use H-2A rely on the program because it works, but after more than 40 years, it is in need of modernization."
Thaxton specifically thanked bill co-sponsors U.S. Reps. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.).
"We appreciate Chairman Thompson and Congressman Mike Rogers for working to strengthen and preserve this important legal workforce program for American agriculture."
RELATED: Rogers backs ag industry-focused legislation that raises concerns of amnesty by conservatives
Opponents of the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act of 2026 also argue that it would shield companies from prosecution for previously hiring illegals if they apply for H-2A status under the proposed measure.
Out of the provision’s almost 50 cosponsors, most of whom are Republicans, Rogers was the sole member of Alabama's congressional delegation to sign on.
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