As the Trump administration pushes for mass immigration raids that disrupt immigrant communities across the country, California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) is stepping up efforts to connect migrant and seasonal farmworkers with jobs, training, and critical resources.
Trump’s Administration agenda has already cut services to undocumented families and individuals, including unemployment benefits, healthcare coverage, educational resources, food, and housing assistance.
A report from the UC Merced Community and Labor Center found that immigration raids harmed California’s economy, leading to an 8% decline in Latino workers. The report noted that most of the decline was among noncitizens.
As Labor Day weekend ended, the Employment Development Department of California (EDD) emphasized its continued outreach to migrant and seasonal workers by offering a wide range of resources.
Alberto Larios, a public information officer and Spanish-language specialist with EDD, explained that the department provides services and assistance in English, Spanish, and the top eight languages spoken throughout the state.
EDD operates the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Outreach Program (MSFW), which partners with state and community-based organizations to support employers and farmworkers. The program shares employment opportunities, informs workers of their labor rights, and connects them to support services through local partnerships.
Farmworkers receive multilingual assistance, referrals for housing, help with resume writing, information about applying for disability, and job opportunities.
Through its partnership with American Job Centers, EDD maintains two offices in Kern County, one in Bakersfield and another in Ridgecrest, where individuals can access career services, vocational training, and additional support.
Families with mixed immigration status can also apply for EDD benefits such as disability insurance and paid family leave, regardless of immigration status.
“Anyone who contributes to specific state funds can apply for these services,” Larios said.
EDD regularly collaborates with local nonprofit organizations by distributing grants that strengthen community engagement.
As part of its Labor Day campaign, EDD highlighted success stories, including a Stockton resident who completed training to become a firefighter. The campaign also emphasized California’s 13 economic regions, including Kern County.
“This specific program targets youth in disadvantaged communities and continues year-round across the state, including here in Kern County,” Larios said.
Within the farmworking community, EDD has dedicated units that provide tools, resources, and information to workers and their families.
For more information on the EDD Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Outreach Program, visit MSFW Outreach Program.
