Number: RL30395 Title: Farm Labor Shortages and Immigration Policy Authors: Linda Levine, Domestic Social Policy Division Abstract: This report first explains the connection made over the past several years between farm labor and immigration policies. It next examines the composition of the seasonal agricultural labor force and presents the arguments of grower and farm worker advocates concerning its adequacy relative to employer demand. The report then analyzes trends in employment, unemployment, time worked and wages of authorized and unauthorized farm workers to determine whether they are consistent with the existence of a nationwide shortage of domestically available farm workers. The farm labor supply-demand situation by geographic area is examined as well. Pages: 18 Date: January 17, 2008