VINELAND (New Jersey) DAILY JOURNAL

January 28, 2006

Immigration is an issue, officials agree
By MEG HUELSMAN
Staff Writer

VINELAND -- Local politicians recognized the importance of addressing the issue of migrant workers and immigration policies on Friday after three Vineland residents living here illegally were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

"This is a concern in our city, and it's a concern of our residents," said Vineland Mayor Perry Barse. "These issues have to be resolved, and we have to find a way to do things in an efficient and humane way."

About 10,200 Mexicans live in Cumberland County, according to the Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia, and the Pew Hispanic Center reports that 80 to 85 percent of Mexican immigrants to the United States in recent years entered the country illegally and are undocumented.

It is commonly believed that thousands of undocumented workers arrive in the area during the growing season to provide affordable labor to local farmers.

"Our economy cannot survive without the immigrants," said Bridgeton Mayor Michael Pirolli. "The government needs to decide which direction they want to take -- either controlling the border or working out some arrangement to allow people to come here to work legally."

Residents who work in the area illegally often drive vehicles with out-of-state licenses and drive without insurance, Pirolli said. Tracking down and prosecuting such residents is difficult and expensive, and the burden is falling on municipalities.

"We're all very cognizant of the fact that our labor market relies on a good number of immigrants," said Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, D-1. "We need to produce a legal process that allows Mexicans to work here legally. We need to put our heads together."

According to Pirolli, between 3,000 and 5,000 workers without legal documentation come to the area during the growing season. The increased population crowds available housing and financially burdens local municipalities.

"As a descendent of immigrants who came here to make a better life, I'm in favor of the government dealing with this problem and letting folks come here legally to work," Pirolli said.