A recent federal policy change now permits U.S. dairy farms to hire migrant workers through the H-2A temporary visa program, which had previously been restricted to seasonal agricultural jobs. Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner Andrew Smith noted that local vineyards and livestock operations already employ hundreds of people under those visas. The shift, welcomed by dairy industry groups, has drawn concern from worker advocates who warn it could reduce wages and job opportunities for local laborers. The decision comes as dairies have long relied on an undocumented workforce that has shrunk amid heightened immigration enforcement.