President Donald Trump announced plans Thursday to provide a form of migration relief for undocumented immigrants working in U.S. agriculture and hospitality.

The proposal, reported by multiple news outlets, was discussed during a Cabinet meeting, suggesting that some individuals could voluntarily depart the country and return with legal work status if employers verify their value and contributions.

“We have to take care of our farmers, the hotels and, you know, the various places where they tend to, where they tend to need people,” Trump said.

He added that those who have already left “in an amicable way” could be given a pathway to re-enter the country legally.

“We’re going to work with them right from the beginning on, trying to get them back in legally,” Trump said, suggesting that doing so would give employers and workers alike “real incentive.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, approximately 40 percent of crop farmworkers are undocumented. In the hospitality sector, the American Immigration Council reported that over 1 million undocumented individuals made up about 7.6 percent of that industry’s workforce as of 2023. This workforce has become essential to seasonal industries that depend on consistent labor supply, especially as businesses await the release of new H-2B visas.

While the administration has pledged to ramp up enforcement and deportations, Trump also acknowledged the value of immigrant workers. “A farmer will come in with a letter concerning certain people, saying they’re great, they’re working hard. We’re going to slow it down a little bit for them,” he said. “Then we’re going to ultimately bring them back … as legal workers.”

The Joint Economic Committee reports that immigrants have helped expand the labor supply, pay nearly $580 billion a year in taxes, possess a spending power of $1.6 trillion a year, and just last year contributed close to $50 billion in personal income and consumer spending each.

This dual approach has drawn mixed reactions. The American Business Immigration Coalition warns that deporting undocumented workers could cost the U.S. economy between $30 billion and $60 billion.

At the same time, they support reform efforts that create legal pathways for essential laborers. Rebecca Shi, ABIC’s executive director, said the organization appreciates the administration’s recognition of immigrant workers, noting they are “the backbone of our economy.”

Newsweek reports that the administration has not clarified how or when the policy would be enacted but emphasized that more H-2A and H-2B visas are expected in time for the summer season.

Efforts to restrict foreign ownership of American farmland are picking up steam across the country, with North Carolina, Texas, and Nebraska pushing forward bills that would limit land control by foreign adversaries.

In Nebraska, lawmakers voted 47-0 on April 3 to pass LB7, a measure sponsored by Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara. The bill updates and strengthens the state’s Foreign-owned Real Estate National Security Act. One of the most notable changes clarifies that Native American tribes are not foreign governments and are not subject to land ownership restrictions under the law.

The bill also takes additional steps to address foreign influence over strategic resources. LB7 prohibits foreign corporations and nonresident aliens from holding or operating leases for oil, gas, or other hydrocarbon substances — an expansion beyond agricultural land that underscores the legislature’s broader national security focus.

In addition, LB7 shields from classifying entities with no outstanding national security concerns, as determined by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, under the designation of being restricted under the act. The bill also establishes new enforcement and disclosure provisions that require the Nebraska attorney general to immediately notify the governor and state Legislature of any court-ordered real estate divestitures pursuant to the act.

Across the country, foreign ownership of land is an increasingly trendy issue. In North Carolina, House Bill 133 and Senate Bill 394 are moving through legislative committees. Both bills would prohibit foreign enemies from buying agricultural land or land near military bases. The Senate bill is stricter, prohibiting foreign entities from buying land within 25 miles of a military base or within specified airspace.

In Texas, Senate Bill 17, authored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, passed the Senate 24-7 and now awaits House consideration. The bill prohibits land purchases by entities associated with countries listed in the U.S. intelligence community’s Annual Threat Assessment — currently China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. Kolkhorst described the bill as “the most comprehensive prohibition on adversarial control of land and natural resources in the U.S.,” citing threats to food and resource security.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick prioritized SB 17, calling the legislation a “common sense” approach to protecting Texas from adversarial influence. The Texas Farm Bureau, which supports the bill, said it addresses unequal trade advantages and strengthens resource security.

These legislative efforts are part of a broader movement, with at least 30 states enacting some form of restriction on foreign ownership

These legislative efforts are part of a broader trend, with at least 30 states having passed some form of restriction on foreign purchase of farm land, the National Agricultural Law Center says. Proposals vary from state to state but are typically motivated by national security concerns, particularly in the aftermath of high-profile incidents such as the failed Chinese corn mill project near Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota.

As these policies move forward, some legal experts have raised questions about potential constitutional issues, including commerce clause conflicts and equal protection considerations. Still, lawmakers across states say the urgency of protecting farmland and national resources outweighs the risk of legal challenges.

As Sen. Brinson of North Carolina put it, “Food security is national security.” And judging by the legislative momentum, more states may soon follow suit.

»Related: AFBF: Updates in foreign-owned land trends

The American Farm Bureau Federation is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 9 for the 2026 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Now in its 12th year, this national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

The overall winner of the competition will receive $100,000 in startup funds, the runner-up will be awarded $25,000, and two additional business owners who advance to the final four round will receive $10,000.

“This competition supports incredible entrepreneurs who are making sure agriculture is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “If you have a vision for how your business can drive agriculture forward, apply today.”

Farm Bureau is offering a total of $145,000 in startup funds throughout the course of the competition. After the application period closes, 10 semi-finalist teams will be selected and announced on Aug. 4. Next, the 10 semi-finalist teams will pitch virtually to compete for a spot in the final four round of the contest.

The final four teams will be awarded $10,000 each and participate in a live pitch competition in front of Farm Bureau members, investors, and industry representatives at the AFBF Convention in January 2026 in Anaheim, California, to win:

• Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Winner, $90,000 (total of $100,000)
• Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Runner-up, $15,000 (total of $25,000)

Recent winners of the Ag Innovation Challenge include Gripp, which offers farmers an operator-centric way to keep records of assets in combination with communication tools to keep everyone connected (2025 Ag Innovation Challenge Winner) and Barn Owl Precision Agriculture, a company that manufactures a fully autonomous robot that supports farmers as they plant crops, control weeds and collect soil samples (2024 Ag Innovation Challenge Winner). 

Entrepreneurs must be members of a county or parish Farm Bureau within their state of residence to qualify as top 10 semi-finalists. Applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can visit to learn about becoming a member.

Farm Bureau is recognizing this year’s innovative businesses in partnership with Farm Credit, Bayer Crop Science, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services, and T-Mobile.