USDA fires about 70 foreign workers from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, citing national security concerns.

USDA Removes Foreign Researchers After Security Review

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken decisive action to strengthen national security by terminating dozens of foreign contract researchers from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. The dismissals, affecting approximately 70 workers, came after a comprehensive review of U.S. food safety and the potential risks posed by employees from what the agency termed “countries of concern.”

Most of the affected individuals were Chinese post-doctoral researchers, with some learning of their dismissal upon arrival at work, as their entry badges were deactivated. The contract workers had been assigned to the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the USDA’s primary research branch, which focuses on issues critical to American agriculture such as pests, food safety, and climate change.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced earlier this month that the department would terminate contracts with any workers from China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia. The new directive also bans nationals from these countries from purchasing farmland in the United States—a move aimed at further protecting U.S. agricultural interests.

Impact on Research and Ongoing Projects

Thomas Henderson, union representative for some of the ARS research staff, emphasized the impact the move would have on critical research initiatives. “We don’t have the talent now to progress on these research projects. It’s setting us back by years, if not decades,” Henderson said, specifically referencing halted work on developing a vaccine for a dangerous toxin found in undercooked beef.

Further, all ARS project publications are now being re-examined, and those co-authored with researchers from the four countries will be denied publication, according to Ethan Roberts, an ARS employee and union president. The decision comes as the agency is already down by about 1,200 workers due to ongoing downsizing efforts this year.

The situation is further complicated by a federal hiring freeze in effect until October 15, meaning the dismissed foreign researchers cannot be replaced until the freeze is lifted. As a result, several high-priority research projects risk significant delays or suspension.

The USDA maintains that these steps are necessary for protecting national security and safeguarding the country’s food supply from potential foreign interference. However, the dismissals have sparked concerns among some researchers and union leaders about the long-term effects on America’s scientific advancement and ability to respond to future agricultural challenges.

As the department adjusts to these sweeping changes, the agricultural sector, research community, and policymakers will be closely monitoring the impact on both food safety and national security in the months ahead.