Oct. 26, 2023 www.investigatemidwest.org Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting
H-2A visa program laws are poorly enforced
The story of Vicente Gomez Hernandez and Humberto Feliciano Gomez, two Mexican farmworkers who died in a trailer fire in North Carolina in 2021, illustrates how the nation’s most important agricultural visa program is failing the very workers it is meant to protect.
There are dozens of state and federal laws intended to protect H-2A workers. For instance, they are to be reimbursed by their employer for the cost of travel, provided free and safe housing and a competitive hourly wage.
Too often these laws are poorly enforced, which creates opportunities for workers to be exploited, cheated and abused. Sometimes, this even results in death.
— Johnathan Hettinger, reporter
THE ULTIMATE PRICE
By Esther Honig, for Investigate Midwest, and Johnathan Hettinger, Investigate Midwest
By the time the sun came up over the rolling green hills of Harrells, North Carolina, on June 23, 2021, a charred metal platform was all that remained of the old trailer. An investigation by the local fire department determined that the fire started at the electric stove in the kitchen. From there, it climbed the cabinets, spread to the living room, and tore through the two bedrooms. Within 30 minutes, the entire structure had been consumed by flames.
Read more.
This investigation was reported with partner FERN, the Food and Energy Reporting Network, and supported by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.
GRAPHIC: 5 states dominate nearly 70% of pork exports
By Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest
U.S. pork exports have experienced a remarkable 70% increase over the past 12 years. This can largely be attributed to the state of Iowa.
Search the graphic.
OPINION: Big Oil could pay dearly for decades of climate change denial
By Dave Dickey, Columnist
Dave Dickey explains in his latest column the history of Big Oil and climate change, writing: "In July 1977, Big Oil giant Exxon's world was turned upside down by scientific adviser James F. Black. Speaking at a meeting of Exxon's top executives, Black, who served in the research and engineering division, delivered stunning news — the world-wide burning of fossil fuels could eventually produce enough carbon dioxide to endanger humanity."
Read more.
Join us Nov. 9 at our Iowa City event at the Graduate hotel
WHAT: We hope to see you at our upcoming storytellers event, with the theme "Discovery in Disguise." Hear a handful of local speakers, enjoy food and beverages, and check out a silent auction.
WHO: Investigate Midwest and its IowaWatch newsroom. The emcee is Iowa Public Radio's Charity Nebbe.
WHEN: Nov. 9. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 6.
WHERE: Poindexter Coffee in the Graduate Iowa City hotel.
HOW: Tickets are available here.
WHY: We love stories. AND all proceeds will be doubled during the end-of-year giving campaign, NewsMatch, which kicks off Nov. 1. Donations and tickets support our mission to investigate and write out the U.S. food system.
Photos above are from the April storytellers event at Poindexter Coffee.
Related news from our partners
Why is accurate data about Black farmers so hard to get? By the Center for Public Integrity
Three Nebraska tribes are buying back farmland, and attempting to reverse history By Flatwater Free Press
