immigration reform and the competitiveness of southern agriculture john j vansickle & robert emerson international agricultural trade policy center food resource economics dept uf ifas intent is to secure border against illegal immigrants guest worker programs have been a priority for groups stable work force currently in limbo as new congress settles on its agenda florida farm labor market changes composition hispanic proportion grew from 79 1989 95 period 92 2002 04 earnings increased real terms 7 12 hour 98 8 13 legal status 75 workers unauthorized earned 57 cents less 1998 but 2 74 reduced seasonality quarterly data show range has declined 40 000 100 mid 80 s 50 70 later 90 fruit vegetable nursery growers accounted 76 total expenses 1978 82 highlights importance specialty crops increase
