Michigan Farmworker Estimates
According to the U.S. Department of Labor 2021 estimates, Michigan has over 70,000 active farmworkers in the state each year. Michigan is in the process of updating its data related to the farmworker population. Prior estimates conducted by the State of Michigan can be found here:
H-2A Program in Michigan
While agricultural employers in Michigan have increased their use of the H-2A Program, H-2A jobs still account for less than 20% of Michigan's total agricultural workforce. The H-2A Program allows agricultural employers to bring foreign workers into the United States on an H-2A visa that is conditional on the worker's employment for that employer; however, U.S. workers can apply for and fill positions posted through the H-2A Program. In fact, qualified U.S. workers have a right to H-2A jobs; and it is unlawful for an employer to displace U.S. workers. Therefore, H-2A Program Data does not indicate the number of foreign workers in Michigan on an H-2A visa in a given year, but rather the number of jobs available through the H-2A Program.
H-2A Program Data and Job List by Year
Michigan Department of Civil Rights Reports
2010 Michigan Civil Rights Commission: Report on Farmworker Conditions
Farmworkers in Michigan
Research Report No. 59 - by Julian Samora Research Institution - August 2017
This report provides an overview of the occupational lives of migrant and seasonal farmworkers to promote awareness of the many challenges they face on Michigan's farms and across the nation.