TALKING POINTS ON FARM LABOR IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION

My name is _____.  I am a constituent of Senator ---- or Representative ------  OR

My name is _____.  I am calling to ask Senator -----or Representative---- to

Please become a cosponsor of the Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits, and Security Act of 2003, also known as AgJOBS. 

The bill numbers are S.1645 (Craig and Kennedy) and H.R. 3142 (Berman and Cannon).   In addition, help us pass AgJOBS

 during the next several weeks.
 

·        The bill is a compromise to address the needs of farmworkers and the agricultural industry. others.  It is endorsed by major agribusiness

 groups, farm labor organizations including the United Farm Workers and the Farm Labor Organizing Committee, Hispanic civil rights

organizations like the National Council of La Raza, AFL-CIO and many others.

·        The bill will give agricultural employers a stable and legal workforce by giving many agricultural workers the chance to become

legal immigrants.  The majority of farmworkers now are undocumented.  Under this earned adjustment program, the workers

will have to demonstrate that they have been working in the U.S. and then must work three to six additional years in agriculture

in the U.S. to gain permanent immigration status. 

·        It also will revise the current H-2A agricultural guestworker program, to streamline the process, making it easier for

employers to obtain legal workers..  Important safeguards for labor will continue. The legislation will promote homeland security by

helping our government identify who is inside the United States. 

this bipartisan legislation already has significant support.  Majority Senate Leader Frist said that he is willing to put this on the calendar

for consideration if sufficient support is shown.  Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert has announced his support of the bill.  The goal is to

gain at least 60 Senate cosponsors, half Democrat and half Republican.  As of March 1, 2004, we have 51.   In the House, we have

90 cosponsors. 

This compromise on earned legalization program and on changes to the H-2A guestworker program resulted from years of

delicate and intense negotiations.  This compromise, will fall apart if efforts are made to change its terms.  The status quo is

untenable and must be reformed

We need your support.   Please become a cosponsor of S. 1645 and H.R. 3142 and help us bring them to a favorable vote.  It is fair to

both workers and employers, is consistent with our national security needs, and sensible government policy.   

Thank you.