Tuesday Immigration Update: Trump Proposes New “Touchback” Immigration Policy for Farmworkers

On August 5, 2025, Trump announced a new proposal focused on undocumented farm labor.  The proposal aims to "strike a balance between immigration enforcement and the agricultural industry’s dependence on undocumented workers."

What Is the “Touchback” Proposal?

• The plan would require undocumented farmworkers to leave the United States and then re-enter through a legal process in order to continue working.
• No automatic pathway to legal status or permanent residency would be included.
• The policy is positioned as a compromise—addressing the need for labor without offering broad amnesty.

Considerations for Agricultural Visa Reform

• Trump also indicated support for expanding the H-2A visa program, which currently allows seasonal agricultural workers to enter the country temporarily.
• Proposed expansions may extend eligibility to year-round industries such as dairy, though no detailed plan has been released.
• There are an estimated 320,000 undocumented farmworkers currently employed in the U.S., many of whom could be affected by changes to visa eligibility or legal entry requirements.

Concerns About Rhetoric and Implementation

• Trump referred to undocumented farmworkers as “naturally” suited for agricultural labor, a remark that is racially stereotypical and dehumanizing.
• The proposal raises questions about operational feasibility, potential for family separation, and whether requiring departure and reentry could disproportionately impact vulnerable workers.

What to Watch

• Implementation specifics:   around logistics, eligibility criteria, and reentry processes will be crucial to assess the policy’s impact.
• Visa program changes:  It remains to be seen whether H-2A reforms will offer broader protections and oversight for both workers and employers.
• Response from states and advocates:  Legal and political reactions are likely to shape whether and how the plan moves forward.

For Farmworkers and Employers
If you or your workforce may be affected by this proposed policy:

• Stay informed as more details become available
• Maintain thorough records of employment and immigration status
• Seek legal advice to prepare for possible changes in immigration procedures

📩 For legal guidance on immigration status, or labor-related concerns, contact the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes at [email protected]