Stonehenge
11-17-2003, 12:12 AM
This information was forwarded to me from Lanelle, I thought I should share it with the rest of you. This legislation would affect our U.S. members.
SENATE: S.1645, AgJOBS, is now cosponsored by 45 Senators, evenly divided among Republicans and Democrats. Notably, Judiciary Committee Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Leahy, and Agriculture Committee Chairman Cochran and Ranking Member Harkin, are all cosponsors. The bill is gaining momentum and support; however, there is no guarantee of imminent movement. Big question is "when does Senate adjourn?" Official word still says before Thanksgiving. Some speculators think the Senate will come back in December. Obviously, potential options will be determined by when they leave, and how they handle the big pending issues like budget and Medicare. Near term, it is vital that we continue adding cosponsors!
HOUSE: H.R.3142 is now cosponsored by 70 Representatives, evenly divided among Republicans and Democrats. Three Committee chairman are cosponsors, and Speaker Hastert has spoken positively in the media about the bill. Again, important to continue building momentum.
MEDIA AND ORGANIZATIONAL ENDORSEMENTS: Some of the more recent national media endorsements included the Orlando Sentinel, Washington Post (!!!), and Business Week Magazine. Very symbolic organizational endorsements have included the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the conservative Republican "Club for Growth," and Latino organizations including Mexican American Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF) and League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). The media and organizational endorsements behind this bipartisan bill have been unbelievably strong and broad.
ADMINISTRATION: We continue to keep White House political and policy contacts, and key Departments, informed of progress. They have indicated no problems on substance, but in our judgment will stay on the sidelines until there is active movement in Congress. Meanwhile, the Mexican government continues to be very supportive of a breakthrough like AgJOBS.
ONE ACTION ITEM: Shortly, we will be circulating a one-sentence letter to Congress urging enactment. It will be circulated widely to green industry, agricultural and business associations, immigrant rights groups, religious and ethnic groups, etc. Goal will be literally hundreds of state, regional and national groups signing on to a "rainbow coalition" letter much like the state letters done in Florida and Texas. Watch for this, and please provide your permission to sign on when it comes across the wire.
ONE HEADS-UP: House Agriculture Committee chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) is said to be preparing to introduce a guest worker bill. We do not know the details, since Chairman Goodlatte is not reaching out to agriculture despite our express willingness to talk with him. However, according to Hill staff, it will be focused on guest workers only. As such, it will become partisan and divisive, and will not attract the breadth of support that a bill needs to become a law. It is also not likely to allow for any meaningful and practical legalization that allows the industry to secure the trained workforce. But, with attractive H-2A provisions, it may distract some in Agriculture. We must keep our eye on the ball...
State execs: you may get inquiries from your state's House delegation as to where you stand on the bill. We urge that you let them know that AgJOBS (H.R.3142) is the bill that agriculture supports as the best and most comprehensive solution. Ask them to cosponsor AgJOBS; and if they are not willing to, then ask them to please keep an open mind and refrain from cosponsoring any other alternative bill either. Let us know if you need more detailed background or talking points.
Finally, by popular request, I am attaching summaries from the national press below. If interested, read and use them as you see fit. If not, thanks for getting this far! Best regards to all. Craig
********************************
AgJOBS Editorial Summaries
The Seattle Times, September 28, 2003-"For farms, a compromise of pragmatic genius":
"American farmers need more workers to harvest their crops. An ample supply of willing workers already resides here. The catch is, many do not have legal permission to live or work in the United States.
This ironic imbalance is untenable. It has left growers facing the choice between hiring workers who aren't legal residents or letting ripe crops rot. And workers without legal status who do hard labor in fields and orchards - most of them from Latin American - must live in shadows, prone to exploitation.
Enter the Agriculture Jobs Opportunity, Benefits and Security Act, a compromise of pragmatic genius. It is a pull-heads-out-the-sand bill that moves beyond ideological differences of party and acknowledges the reality of a flawed immigration policy that has encouraged an economy that relies on workers without legal status.
...it acknowledges the predicament that has permitted an underground labor economy to flourish and makes a start to reconcile the law with reality."
The Houston Chronicle, October 1, 2003-"Farm worker legislation a key breakthrough":
"A bipartisan, compromise, farmworker immigration bill has been introduced in Washington. As a way forward out of the ineffective and chaotic immigration system, it should be supported.
Those who worked in U.S. agriculture for more than three months prior to Aug. 31, 2003, would be granted temporary legal status. If they continued working in agriculture for 360 days over six years, they could become eligible for permanent residency -- not citizenship. Future guest workers would be allowed to work here for only 10 months before being sent home.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, has also filed 'guest worker' legislation, but analysts say the compromise bill importantly offers more protections for workers against exploitation by unscrupulous growers."
The LA Times, October 1, 2003-"A smart farm-worker bill":
"When conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats, big farmers and union activists agree on something, it's worth noting. When their consensus concerns as complicated and freighted an issue as immigration reform, there's even greater reason to think something worthwhile is stirring. That's why S 1645 by Sens. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass) and Larry E. Craig (R-Idaho) and Reps. Howard L. Berman (D-North Hollywood) and Chris Cannon (R-Utah) should be considered seriously by Congress.
This is not another sweeping, doomed-to-fail amnesty program. It is a plan that holds promise for how the United States can begin to fix its tattered immigration policies.
The bill is backed by representatives of agricultural business, farm workers and unions. They agree that unlike past, unsuccessful farm-worker initiatives, this offers fair, specific and practical steps."
The Denver Post, September 28, 2003-"Protect migrant farmworkers":
"It just makes sense.
One thing is certain, it is a significant move because this proposal and others currently being considered marks the first time Republicans in Congress have aggressively pushed forward for changes in immigration law since such discussions stalled following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
We encourage lawmakers to pass the measure as a positive step toward national immigration reform that begins to address the reality of the overall immigration situation and goes even further to address the deeper underlying problem, poverty and exploitation of low-income workers."
San Antonio Express-News, October 17, 2003-"Immigration reform is back on the table":
"National lawmakers again are beginning to focus on the disparity between immigration policy as written in Washington and immigration reality as it exists throughout the nation. A bill co-sponsored by Sens. Larry Craig, R-Idaho and Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., goes further...One of the bill's co-sponsors calls it 'an earned legalization program,' 'not an amnesty program.' Both the Cornyn bill and Craig-Kennedy bill are headed in the right direction, although the latter is the preferred alternative."
The Dallas Morning News, October 12, 2003-"Guest workers-Compromise Bill appears to be best course":
"Dubbed the Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits and Security Act, the bill is the result of three years of negotiations between the United Farm Workers and agricultural employers. The result of all this horse-trading is a solid bill. If it makes it out of both chambers and wins the president's signature, it may just be a model for other industries that are willing to pound out compromises of their own."
The Oregonian, October 13, 2003-"Labor pact helps Northwest":
"Legislation in support of the pact has already drawn bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress, and should now be approved with minimal tinkering. Regularization of farmworkers is a good start toward addressing the hypocrisy that undergirds our economy in other sectors as well.
It's rare for humanitarian and economic goals to coincide so completely, but this is one of those moments. Illegal farmworkers help harvest, by hand, $237 million worth of fruit crops in Oregon."
The New York Times, October 1, 2003-"Out of the shadows":
"The agricultural jobs bill is considered a model that could help offer ways to bring in guest workers for other segments of the economy. The result of years of negotiations and debate among unions, agricultural interests and workers' rights advocates, this bill now has wide support."
SENATE: S.1645, AgJOBS, is now cosponsored by 45 Senators, evenly divided among Republicans and Democrats. Notably, Judiciary Committee Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Leahy, and Agriculture Committee Chairman Cochran and Ranking Member Harkin, are all cosponsors. The bill is gaining momentum and support; however, there is no guarantee of imminent movement. Big question is "when does Senate adjourn?" Official word still says before Thanksgiving. Some speculators think the Senate will come back in December. Obviously, potential options will be determined by when they leave, and how they handle the big pending issues like budget and Medicare. Near term, it is vital that we continue adding cosponsors!
HOUSE: H.R.3142 is now cosponsored by 70 Representatives, evenly divided among Republicans and Democrats. Three Committee chairman are cosponsors, and Speaker Hastert has spoken positively in the media about the bill. Again, important to continue building momentum.
MEDIA AND ORGANIZATIONAL ENDORSEMENTS: Some of the more recent national media endorsements included the Orlando Sentinel, Washington Post (!!!), and Business Week Magazine. Very symbolic organizational endorsements have included the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the conservative Republican "Club for Growth," and Latino organizations including Mexican American Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF) and League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). The media and organizational endorsements behind this bipartisan bill have been unbelievably strong and broad.
ADMINISTRATION: We continue to keep White House political and policy contacts, and key Departments, informed of progress. They have indicated no problems on substance, but in our judgment will stay on the sidelines until there is active movement in Congress. Meanwhile, the Mexican government continues to be very supportive of a breakthrough like AgJOBS.
ONE ACTION ITEM: Shortly, we will be circulating a one-sentence letter to Congress urging enactment. It will be circulated widely to green industry, agricultural and business associations, immigrant rights groups, religious and ethnic groups, etc. Goal will be literally hundreds of state, regional and national groups signing on to a "rainbow coalition" letter much like the state letters done in Florida and Texas. Watch for this, and please provide your permission to sign on when it comes across the wire.
ONE HEADS-UP: House Agriculture Committee chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) is said to be preparing to introduce a guest worker bill. We do not know the details, since Chairman Goodlatte is not reaching out to agriculture despite our express willingness to talk with him. However, according to Hill staff, it will be focused on guest workers only. As such, it will become partisan and divisive, and will not attract the breadth of support that a bill needs to become a law. It is also not likely to allow for any meaningful and practical legalization that allows the industry to secure the trained workforce. But, with attractive H-2A provisions, it may distract some in Agriculture. We must keep our eye on the ball...
State execs: you may get inquiries from your state's House delegation as to where you stand on the bill. We urge that you let them know that AgJOBS (H.R.3142) is the bill that agriculture supports as the best and most comprehensive solution. Ask them to cosponsor AgJOBS; and if they are not willing to, then ask them to please keep an open mind and refrain from cosponsoring any other alternative bill either. Let us know if you need more detailed background or talking points.
Finally, by popular request, I am attaching summaries from the national press below. If interested, read and use them as you see fit. If not, thanks for getting this far! Best regards to all. Craig
********************************
AgJOBS Editorial Summaries
The Seattle Times, September 28, 2003-"For farms, a compromise of pragmatic genius":
"American farmers need more workers to harvest their crops. An ample supply of willing workers already resides here. The catch is, many do not have legal permission to live or work in the United States.
This ironic imbalance is untenable. It has left growers facing the choice between hiring workers who aren't legal residents or letting ripe crops rot. And workers without legal status who do hard labor in fields and orchards - most of them from Latin American - must live in shadows, prone to exploitation.
Enter the Agriculture Jobs Opportunity, Benefits and Security Act, a compromise of pragmatic genius. It is a pull-heads-out-the-sand bill that moves beyond ideological differences of party and acknowledges the reality of a flawed immigration policy that has encouraged an economy that relies on workers without legal status.
...it acknowledges the predicament that has permitted an underground labor economy to flourish and makes a start to reconcile the law with reality."
The Houston Chronicle, October 1, 2003-"Farm worker legislation a key breakthrough":
"A bipartisan, compromise, farmworker immigration bill has been introduced in Washington. As a way forward out of the ineffective and chaotic immigration system, it should be supported.
Those who worked in U.S. agriculture for more than three months prior to Aug. 31, 2003, would be granted temporary legal status. If they continued working in agriculture for 360 days over six years, they could become eligible for permanent residency -- not citizenship. Future guest workers would be allowed to work here for only 10 months before being sent home.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, has also filed 'guest worker' legislation, but analysts say the compromise bill importantly offers more protections for workers against exploitation by unscrupulous growers."
The LA Times, October 1, 2003-"A smart farm-worker bill":
"When conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats, big farmers and union activists agree on something, it's worth noting. When their consensus concerns as complicated and freighted an issue as immigration reform, there's even greater reason to think something worthwhile is stirring. That's why S 1645 by Sens. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass) and Larry E. Craig (R-Idaho) and Reps. Howard L. Berman (D-North Hollywood) and Chris Cannon (R-Utah) should be considered seriously by Congress.
This is not another sweeping, doomed-to-fail amnesty program. It is a plan that holds promise for how the United States can begin to fix its tattered immigration policies.
The bill is backed by representatives of agricultural business, farm workers and unions. They agree that unlike past, unsuccessful farm-worker initiatives, this offers fair, specific and practical steps."
The Denver Post, September 28, 2003-"Protect migrant farmworkers":
"It just makes sense.
One thing is certain, it is a significant move because this proposal and others currently being considered marks the first time Republicans in Congress have aggressively pushed forward for changes in immigration law since such discussions stalled following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
We encourage lawmakers to pass the measure as a positive step toward national immigration reform that begins to address the reality of the overall immigration situation and goes even further to address the deeper underlying problem, poverty and exploitation of low-income workers."
San Antonio Express-News, October 17, 2003-"Immigration reform is back on the table":
"National lawmakers again are beginning to focus on the disparity between immigration policy as written in Washington and immigration reality as it exists throughout the nation. A bill co-sponsored by Sens. Larry Craig, R-Idaho and Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., goes further...One of the bill's co-sponsors calls it 'an earned legalization program,' 'not an amnesty program.' Both the Cornyn bill and Craig-Kennedy bill are headed in the right direction, although the latter is the preferred alternative."
The Dallas Morning News, October 12, 2003-"Guest workers-Compromise Bill appears to be best course":
"Dubbed the Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits and Security Act, the bill is the result of three years of negotiations between the United Farm Workers and agricultural employers. The result of all this horse-trading is a solid bill. If it makes it out of both chambers and wins the president's signature, it may just be a model for other industries that are willing to pound out compromises of their own."
The Oregonian, October 13, 2003-"Labor pact helps Northwest":
"Legislation in support of the pact has already drawn bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress, and should now be approved with minimal tinkering. Regularization of farmworkers is a good start toward addressing the hypocrisy that undergirds our economy in other sectors as well.
It's rare for humanitarian and economic goals to coincide so completely, but this is one of those moments. Illegal farmworkers help harvest, by hand, $237 million worth of fruit crops in Oregon."
The New York Times, October 1, 2003-"Out of the shadows":
"The agricultural jobs bill is considered a model that could help offer ways to bring in guest workers for other segments of the economy. The result of years of negotiations and debate among unions, agricultural interests and workers' rights advocates, this bill now has wide support."