Trump Claims Migrant Workers 'Naturally' Suited for Farm Labor Amid Deportations

President Donald Trump sparked controversy during a CNBC interview by claiming that undocumented migrant workers are "naturally" suited for physically demanding farm labor, a statement widely condemned as racist. Trump acknowledged that his strict immigration policies and mass deportations have negatively impacted U.S. agriculture, which relies heavily on migrant labor, mostly Latino and non-white workers. Despite ongoing deportation efforts, he floated a "touchback" plan allowing some undocumented farm workers to return legally to address labor shortages, while emphasizing the importance of supporting farmers. Trump cited a farmer's remark that migrant workers "don't get a bad back, because if they get a bad back, they die," which critics say perpetuates harmful, exploitative stereotypes. The administration is reportedly exploring expansions to the H-2A visa program for agricultural workers, but such measures would not fully address the needs of the estimated 320,000 undocumented farm laborers. These remarks come amid ongoing debates over immigration policy and the agricultural sector’s labor demands, highlighting tensions between enforcement priorities and economic realities.