2/01/04

This country needs a new guest-worker program.
We were well on our way to getting the situation solved before Sept. 11, 2001. After that, some suggested the best thing to do with illegal immigrants was to send them packing.
The Agricultural Job, Opportunity, Benefits and Security Act of 2003, or AgJOBS bill, S. 1645 and H.R. 3142, had a good chance. It would Reform the H-2A temporary visa process without providing blanket amnesty for those workers who are in the country illegally. It would provide them a one-time chance to be allowed to participate legally in the H-2A program, and would provide a more functional and streamlined temporary visa program by simplifying the application process.
One good thing for agricultural employers is that during the “adjustment” process, the workers would be required to continue their agricultural work, although they may also work in non-ag occupations.
On Jan. 7, President George Bush announced support for comprehensive immigration reform, but did not endorse specific legislation. He brought the issue to the front burner.
The administration wants to see these core principles as any part of reform legislation: Control U.S. borders. Serve economic needs of U.S. employers by matching them with willing workers. Promote compassion by extending temporary worker status to undocumented workers already in the U.S. Provide incentives for temporary workers to return home. Protect the rights of legal immigrants by not giving undocumented workers unfair advantages.
In an election year, the issue could be lost in partisan politics. Let’s ask our representatives to give reform the attention it deserves.