The struggling economy has put major focus on whether or not immigrants are taking jobs from the ever growing number of unemployed Americans. Most of the jobs being referred to are seasonal farm jobs, they are only available during the harvesting season, therefore the majority of these workers are migrant immigrants who follow the harvest season from one state to another. Government researchers and analysts report that Americans don't seem to apply for or want jobs that involve harvesting fruits and vegetables, and that even the few Americans who do get such jobs don't stick around. Are Americans then just lazy? Do the jobs not pay well? Or are there far more factors to be considered. For most Americans trying to support a family and pay their mortgage seasonal farm work sadly is not the answer. While most farmers pay their migrant workers quite fairly and often times supply them with housing, few seasonal workers receive health insurance or other benefits, and the reality is most Americans will not and can not relocate their families for such jobs. Contrary to popular opinion the immigrant work force appears to be a major necessity.
