Migrant Children

In the past two chapters, we have looked at how the farming industry exploits adults and small farmers. One thing we haven't looked at is how often children are exploited in the same fields. Children under 13 can be subject to working in the agricultural industry. Many of these children are immigrants or children of immigrants. They may work because that is the only way a family can stay afloat.

In some situations, such as when farms are raided for illegal immigrant workers, families can be destroyed. If a child is born in the United States, he or she is a United States citizen. However, his or her parents would not be citizens if they came into the country illegally. This can lead to the destruction of a family because the parents may be deported, while the children are sent into foster care.

The pay for adults migrant workers is very low to say the least. However, the pay of child workers is estimated to be even lower. The chart below shows the distribution of money from tobacco products.

The tobacco industry makes around $90 billion a year. With less than half of percent of that going to workers, it isn't hard to see why some families would allow their children to work on farms. 

The exploitation of workers is at a ridiculous level. In some cases, children under the age of 12 are being forced to work 6 or more days a week to help their family. They also face the threat of deportation. Looking at the terrible situations like this, it isn't hard to see why so many farmers turn to suicide as the only way to solve their problems.