FEBRUARY 27, 2006

ISSUE 1104

FFVA TAKES INDUSTRY IMMIGRATION CONCERNS TO CAPITOL HILL

 

FFVA will join with other agricultural representatives for a March on Capitol Hill, March 15, to urge lawmakers to adopt workable immigration reform. Walter Kates, FFVA Labor Relations Director, will participate with representatives from Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Florida Citrus Mutual and individual producers for the daylong legislative outreach.

 

The Senate is considering immigration reform legislation that would address the unique needs of fruit and vegetable producers, including provisions for a practical guest worker program.

 

Late in 2005, the House of Representatives passed a bill that calls for increased penalties on employers, requires electronic ID verification and has no provisions for guest workers. FFVA believes such a bill would cripple Florida's fruit and vegetable industry.