Former President Donald Trump told supporters that undocumented migrant farmworkers may remain in the U.S. if their employers vouch for them, signaling a sharp pivot in his immigration rhetoric. Speaking at a rally in Iowa, Trump acknowledged their contribution to agriculture but reiterated that no pathway to citizenship

"Se agachan todo el día... y algunos agricultores lloran cuando ven que se los llevan", dijo Trump. "Si un agricultor está dispuesto a responder, deberíamos considerarlo suficiente, ¿no?

Trump emphasized that his plan would protect workers from ICE raids, particularly those who've spent over a decade on U.S. farms. "We can't have that. We want farms to do great," he added.

Still, migrant workers would pay taxes but remain undocumented, and farmers would be held accountable for any trouble. "We'll let the illegals stay, and we'll throw the farmer the hell out, okay?" Trump quipped.

The $223 billion ag sector relies heavily on migrant labor. Trump argued that ensuring stability for this workforce would directly benefit the economy.

Is there a plan?
So far, the White House has remained vague. Analysts say Trump would need Congress to enact any real legal status. Like Biden, he could also use prosecutorial discretion to deprioritize ICE action against farmworkers.

Another route could involve expanding or reforming the H-2A visa system. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed efforts are underway to streamline the process: "We're making it cheaper, more efficient, and 100% legal very soon."