Yesterday afternoon we consumed a considerable period of time engaged in lively debate on the subject of whether or not there is an adequate supply of domestic labor for the harvest of perishable commodities. and the critics of an amendment that would provide a seasonal worker program have protested that there is indeed and that such an amendment would threaten the livelihoods of Americans seeking to do stoop labor. apple pickers from Maine to Washington. Now. is it not interesting that S. 1200. in affording this protection to the American farmer. targets them almost exclusively as a constituency for which the standard protections of the fourth amendment should be waived? And we are told that is justified on the basis of tips to the Immigration and Naturalization Service. What this amounts to is a statement that those working in the fields can be presumed to be illegal aliens. That is the basis upon which it is deemed unnecessary to afford growers and those who work for them some special status that relieves us of any concern for their constitutional rights. We are to assume. notwithstanding the assurances yesterday afternoon that there is an abundant supply of domestic labor. meaning U.S. citizens. we are asked to assume that there is no need really to investigate. to justify what would otherwise be an illegal search and seizure. because we are. in effect. presuming that those working the fields are illegal aliens. Mr. President. with friends like the U.S.
Identified stereotypes
Those working in the fields can be presumed to be illegal aliens.