August 13 , 2007

ISSUE 1179

BUSH ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES IMMIGRATION REFORMS

The Department of Commerce and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) held a joint press conference August 10 to announce a series of reforms “to address border security and immigration challenges.” Those challenges include border security, interior enforcement, worksite enforcement, streamlining current guest-worker programs, fixing existing immigration, and assimilation.

The reforms include the addition of the DHS “No-Match” regulation stating that employers may be held liable if they fail to take specific steps within 90 days of receiving “No-Match” letters sent by the Social Security Administration.

The changes also include additional border patrol agents, fencing, vehicle barriers and other security measures; a 25-percent increase in fines on employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants; and an expansion of criminal investigations against employers who knowingly hire large numbers of illegal aliens.

On the guest-worker front, the Department of Labor has been charged with reviewing regulations implementing the H-2A program and instituting changes that will “provide farmers with an orderly and timely flow of legal workers, while protecting the rights of laborers.”

FFVA Producer Members may access Improving Border Security and Immigration within Existing Law, a document issued by the White House detailing the reforms, via the Resource Library link at www.ffva.com.

BUSH ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES IMMIGRATION REFORMS

SFWMD GOVERNING BOARD SAYS NO TO LAKE AUGMENTATION

GOV. CRIST NAMES THREE TO FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

LETTUCE AND LEAFY GREENS SAFETY SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULED

ANNUAL CONVENTION TO OFFER IMPORTANT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

BENEFIT AUCTION PROCEEDS AID FARMWORKERS’ CHILDREN - ITEMS STILL NEEDED

REMINDER - LABOR RELATIONS FORUM APPROACHING