Today
the Senate approved S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and
Immigration Modernization Act with a vote of 68 to 32. Farm Bureau
strongly supported S. 744, including the agricultural provisions which were the
result of a compromise agreement with the United Farmworkers Union.
Below
is a statement from American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman:
“The
Senate’s passage today of a balanced immigration reform bill that includes a
fair and workable farm labor provision is welcomed by America’s farmers and
ranchers. A comprehensive agricultural labor plan that works for all sectors of
agriculture and across all regions of our nation is long overdue. We commend
the Senate for addressing this very important issue, which will help ensure the
continued success of agriculture in our nation.
“America’s
farmers and ranchers depend on the workers who show up every day to tend crops
and raise livestock. The Senate-passed bill will help ensure an adequate supply
of farm labor. It also provides increased surveillance of high-risk areas along
our borders. One of the best ways to improve border security is to create a
legal, workable way for farm workers to enter our country. With less time and
resources wasted locking up lettuce harvesters, the focus can shift to where it
properly belongs—keeping those with criminal intentions out of our country.
“The
passing of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration
Modernization Act of 2013 is the first step in reforming our broken immigration
system and ensuring agriculture has access to a stable and legal workforce. We
look forward to working with members in the House of Representative to pass
responsible immigration reform legislation that includes an earned adjustment
for experienced undocumented agricultural workers and a new, flexible
guestworker program. It is critical that both chambers pass legislation that
can be reconciled in conference and signed into law.”
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