April 9, 2013
By Neal Tepel
WASHINGTON DC — Immigration legislation would greatly affect the agriculture industry with a steady stream of legal farmers and growers. Presently this industry relies on workers who are living in the country illegally. To states as California, Georgia and Florida with large agriculture industries, this legislation is critical to the future of their economy.
Farm workers that are here legally would be provided priority status towards legal citizenship. A visa program would make it easier for foreign workers to come to the United States. Negotiations on wages and visa totals are continuing. However bipartisan legislation is expected soon. More than half of the nation’s farm labor is estimated to be in the country illegally.
The issue of fair wages or setting up a prevailing rate structure is also under discussion. Labor organizations and advocate groups are insisting that fair wages must be paid and the process be monitored.
