February 14, 2005

ISSUE 1050

AGJOBS BILL INTRODUCED IN SENATE

A bi-partisan group of 33 legislators including Senators Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) and Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) announced the introduction Thursday (February 10) of the Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits, and Security (AgJOBS) Act of 2005.

The AgJOBS bill would provide a two-step solution to current flaws in U.S. immigration systems and laws. The H-2A legal guest worker program would be overhauled and made more streamlined, practical, and secure. And to provide workforce stability in the short term, on a one-time-only basis, experienced, trusted workers with a significant work history in American agriculture would be allowed to stay here legally and earn adjustment to legal status if they continue to work in agriculture for a set period of time.

Similar legislation was struck down last year and, although the legislation has strong support from both farmworker groups and the agriculture industry, it faces strong opposition.

Also on Thursday, the House of Representatives voted 261-161 in favor of the “Real ID Act,” which tightens rules for driver's licenses and gives immigration judges more power to reject those seeking political asylum.

 

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AGJOBS BILL INTRODUCED IN SENATE

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