Almost 175,000 immigrants are employed in the U.S. meatpacking industry. It has historically depended on foreign-born workers for some of the most dangerous jobs in the country. At least 20 meatpacking workers have died from COVID-19. Several meatpacking centers have temporarily closed because of the coronavirus spread. This has raised concerns about possible labor shortages to meet demand for cow, pig, and chicken meat. Companies struggling to find workers before the coronavirus crisis are spending millions on new ways to appeal to employees. Their ability to bring in new workers depends on things like unemployment levels, industry changes, and employees’ feelings about safety. It also depends on U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

What is not considered a meat product?
cow
pig
chicken
Tomato
About how many immigrants are employed in the U.S. meatpacking industry?
50,000
75,000
175,000
300,00
Several meatpacking centers have temporarily closed because of the coronavirus spread.
mass firings
worker strikes
a decreased demand for meat
the coronavirus spread