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  1. #1
    Senior Member zeezil's Avatar
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    AgJOBS Immigration Bill Is Stealth Amnesty

    October 31, 2007
    AgJOBS Immigration Bill Is Stealth Amnesty
    by James Jay Carafano, Ph.D. and Diem Nguyen
    WebMemo #1685

    The debate over immigration amnesty could soon return to the Senate floor. According to press reports, Senator Diane Feinstein (D–CA) plans to attach the proposed Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits, and Security Act of 2007 (AgJOBS) to the Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007. The AgJOBS bill is all too similar to the comprehensive immigration reform bill that was rejected in Congress last spring, which would have granted amnesty to millions of people who are unlawfully present in the United States.

    Amnesty would worsen the immigration problem in America, encouraging more illegal border crossings and undermining the credibility of American immigration laws. Congress should reform and expand programs for visiting agricultural workers rather than use farm bill legislation to pass stealth amnesty.

    Amnesty Returns

    The AgJOBS proposal is a remnant of the failed comprehensive immigration bill, to which it was originally attached. Since that effort failed, AgJOBS advocates have been looking for an alternative vehicle for their bill.

    AgJOBS shares the following flaws with the marred comprehensive reform legislation. The bill grants amnesty to agricultural workers who are currently unlawfully present in the United States. According to estimates, approximately 1.5 million workers would be granted "legalization," as well as an additional 1.8 million family members.

    In addition, the bill requires immigrant workers to apply for citizenship. Failure to apply for citizenship would result in their deportation. Forcing such choices is itself objectionable. It also makes no sense: Currently, many migrant workers choose to keep permanent residence in their home country; this requirement would not allow such flexibility.

    The bill alsomandates that workers cannot be fired without "just cause."This vague standard would likely result in employers being bogged down in litigation.

    A Better Way

    The agricultural sector in the United States does require seasonal workers, but amnesty is not the answer. Real, sensible immigration reform would help employers hire the workers they need by doing the following:

    Not granting amnesty to illegal workers.

    Simplifying and expanding existing H2-A programs in a manner that meets the labor demands of the marketplace and respects the rights of individual employees.

    Conclusion

    Attaching AgJOBS to the farm bill is another attempt at stealth amnesty and would create more problems than it would solve. Congress should reject such approaches and instead concentrate on real reform of existing visa programs, creating credible legal alternatives to illegal border crossing and unlawful presence.
    http://www.heritage.org/Research/Immigration/wm1685.cfm
    Join our efforts to Secure America's Borders and End Illegal Immigration by Joining ALIPAC's E-Mail Alerts network (CLICK HERE)

  2. #2
    Senior Member azwreath's Avatar
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    Well, I can see the reason for forcing citizenship. What better way to make sure that there is a steady flow of sponsored family members streaming in to step into the Ag jobs to replace their relatives who have stolen higher paying jobs once they've gained the legal right to be here?

    I'm also assuming that the "great minds" who drafted this crap felt that they could get the opposition to shut the hell up when it comes to pointing out that these folks aren't interested in becoming American citizens.

    I can see that they still think we are all feeble minded enough to fall for their dirty little tricks.
    Join our efforts to Secure America's Borders and End Illegal Immigration by Joining ALIPAC's E-Mail Alerts network (CLICK HERE)

  3. #3
    April
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    Amnesty would worsen the immigration problem in America, encouraging more illegal border crossings and undermining the credibility of American immigration laws. Congress should reform and expand programs for visiting agricultural workers rather than use farm bill legislation to pass stealth amnesty.
    When will our government realize that NO MEANS NO!!!! Please every one take the time to call, fax and email!! OUR voices must be heard. Another round needs to be won!!!

  4. #4
    Senior Member Populist's Avatar
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    There are ways to solve any farm labor situation without resorting to a huge amnesty for millions. In fact, the Center for Immigration Studies will be releasing a report on this on Monday that outlines this:

    --Neither worker recruitment, wages, nor benefits have risen to a degree suggesting a strong need for more labor.

    -- Farmers' production of labor-intensive fruits and vegetables has expanded despite farmers' claims of a "labor shortage."

    -- Farm worker earnings represent a tiny share of the overall cost of fresh fruits and vegetables, so even a substantial increase in wages could not have a major effect on retail prices.

    -- The government has an important role to play in facilitating mechanization.


    http://sev.prnewswire.com/agriculture/2 ... 007-1.html

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    Call the Senate: NO AgJOBS Amnesty !
    Join our efforts to Secure America's Borders and End Illegal Immigration by Joining ALIPAC's E-Mail Alerts network (CLICK HERE)

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