More than half of foreign agricultural workers in New Jersey are infected with COVID-19

Thousands of foreign skilled workers come to the US annually to plant and grow the food that supplies thousands of local markets and American families.

They work the land and provide a primary livelihood for the country’s food supply chain.

However, during the massive COVID-19 outbreak, they have not received any protection from the current government nor benefits to prevent a possible spread of the virus.

The spread of the virus is unstoppable and seems inevitable

On May 1, 2020, the state of New Jersey reported 5 farm workers who tested positive on the Coronavirus exam.

Because the spread of the virus is rapid, by May 13, 2020, there were already 59 positive cases reported within the agricultural immigrant community.

This number represents more than half of foreign farm workers on a farm in southern New Jersey.

What is the risk of this figure?

Southern New Jersey has a very low population density and the outbreak of the virus could be controlled with enough medical supplies and health personnel.

However, the concern is that this state will receive thousands of foreign workers in the coming weeks to grow vegetables and fruits during the summer.

Most of these foreign farmers will be relocated from other farms around the US.

If any of the foreign workers is infected with COVID-19 or has contact with the infected workers in southern New Jersey, an uncontrollable massive outbreak could be unleashed in this state.

It is essential to remember that these fruits and vegetables are the supplies of local markets and will be consumed by millions of American families, which increases the risk of a massive contagion among our population even more.

In addition to this, the greatest risk is to foreign agricultural workers for several reasons:

• If they lose their job because they are quarantined, they must leave the US and return to their countries during the next 60 days to avoid “unlawful presence”.
• They have no other income than the one they earn on American farms.
• The government does not offer monetary aid to immigrants, foreigners or work visa holders who do not have a legal residence permit in the country.
• Many of them are the financial support of their families and without work they would not be able to help them during the current juncture.
• If they unfortunately pass away in the US, their bodies cannot be sent to other countries, therefore, they would not have the opportunity for a decent grieve.

A possible solution to this situation

The current government of the US decided to test farmworkers before they start their duties on farms to rule out the possibility that they carry the virus.

In this way, the state can protect the foreign workers, the local families, and the agricultural markets.

However, this measure may not be as effective since the virus can appear in the body up to 14 days after being in contact with someone who is infected, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Therefore, the best solution is for New Jersey’s local government to implement measures to help foreign agricultural workers in case they need it.

They must receive government aid during the health crisis since thousands of families have food and supplies thanks to them.

It is also important that workers receive medical protection and avoid a massive spread of Coronavirus on local farms.

If you have any questions about an immigration issue or relating to a case you may have currently in progress, then please don’t hesitate to contact us for a FREE Phone Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys.

Simply call Motion Law today at: (202) 918-1799.