NASDA Urges Congress to Take Immediate Action on Immigration Reform

News Date June 01, 2007

The continued prosperity of America's farmers and ranchers depends on immigration reform, say the nation's state agriculture leaders.
        
NASDA has concluded that Congress must enact immigration reform legislation that provides workable and fair legal channels for farmworkers to enter the country, work, and return home when the season is over.
        
At the same time, there is a clear and compelling need for the experienced farmworkers already in the country who lack legal status to be given a chance to earn legal status over time, subject to strict conditions.
        
"The agricultural industries I represent in Washington State are in desperate need for Congress to act on immigration reform," said Valoria Loveland, Washington state director of agriculture and NASDA president. "I hear from my colleagues from coast to coast that our Washington tree fruit growers are not alone. Uncertainty about immigration reform and Congress' failure to act is only making labor recruitment for our farmers and ranchers more difficult."
        
NASDA is urging passage of S.1348, the comprehensive immigration reform bill negotiated among key senators of both parties and the Bush administration. It views that bill as the best opportunity to pass key elements of the bipartisan and time-tested "Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits, and Security Act of 2007," or AgJOBS.
        
"Agricultural employers are facing a rapidly worsening labor shortage. During the critical harvest periods of our highly perishable fruit and vegetable crops, growers across the country will have difficulty finding enough people available to work. Shortages exist despite their best efforts to recruit employees and our best efforts to assist them," Loveland said. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak)