Education. and Welfare Ribicoff in eloquent. forceful. and unequivocal terms called for early action to deal effectively with this blight on our society. In speaking of the urgent need for Federal action in the areas of education and health. Secretary Ribicoff told our subcommittee: Migrant agricultural familiesand particcularly their childrenconstitute the most educationally deprived group in our Nation. Among adult members of the families. illiteracy is extremely high and there is lacking even basic training in healthful living. The vast majority of these children never attain the bare minimum of education needed to take part in our society. Thus. the educational deprivation of migrant children perpetuates their economic and social status. Concerted State action is absolutely essential. and interstate cooperation is also required because the whole problem is Interstate in character. We are firmly convinced that Federal assistance and encouragement for such efforts are required If most of these citizens are ever to achieve a bare minimum of education.
Identified stereotypes
Migrant families are educationally deprived and illiterate.