A union complaint is that guest workers are “indentured” workers. Doesn’t the requirement that they work only for the farmer who hires them give substance to this concern?

Provisions in the guest worker program are designed to ensure that the worker is returned to his or her home and does not use the program for illegal immigration. The farmer is responsible for housing and transportation and could not meet that obligation if the worker was able to seek other work. As the costs of the program are high and the farmer pays for the transportation to the farm and for housing and other requirements, the requirement that the worker meet his or her obligation to the employer is very reasonable. The accusations of indenture are intended to suggest that the farmer can abuse workers with pay, working conditions and treatment, but this abuse is prevented by the strict requirements and enforcement as well as the desire of the farmer to recruit and maintain a consistent workforce.