How is U.S. immigration policy hurting a key Louisiana industry?

Louisiana leads the country in crawfish production, bringing more than $300 million to the state each year. What happens when there aren't enough employees to get them to buyers? 


Farmers, landscapers and the hospitality industry have long argued that the U.S. government doesn’t issue enough temporary visas to meet seasonal labor needs. 

Current limits under Trump’s second term have worsened that problem. 

And farmers in rural Louisiana are feeling that pinch. 

NPR’s Debbie Elliott went to Louisiana to find out how.

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This episode was produced by Christine Arrasmith and Alejandra Marquez Janse, with audio engineering by Tiffany Vera Castro.

It was edited by Russell Lewis and Courtney Dorning.

Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.


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