WHO ARE MIGRANT FARMWORKERS?
According to the 2001-2002 National Agricultural Workers Survey (U.S. Department of Labor, 2005), migrant farmworkers are employed in over 75% of U.S. states. Less than one-half were U.S. citizens or legal residents; 84% were Hispanic and 75% were born in Mexico. Spanish was the native language for 81% of the farmworkers, and 44% reported they could not speak English; on average, the highest grade completed was seventh. Most were male (79%) and married (58%) with an average of two children. The average total family income was from $15,000 to $17,499; 30% had total family incomes below the poverty guidelines. Only 23% had health insurance. These families have multiple barriers to health benefits and support services, and those who are undocumented face constant fear of deportation.Agriculture is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States (NCFH, 2002a). Migrant farmworkers are exposed to physical stressors from nature’s elements (rain, hail, heat, lightning strikes, wind)
