I commend them and Representatives HOWARD BERMAN and CHRIS CANNON for their bipartisan lead153. Pt. 1 January 10. 2007 ership and Im honored to be part of this landmark legislation. The bill reflects a farreaching and welcome agreement between the United Farm Workers and the agricultural industry on one of the most difficult immigration challenges we face. and we in Congress should make the most of this unique opportunity for progress. America has a proud tradition as a Nation of immigrants and a Nation of laws. But our current immigration laws fail us on both counts. Much of the Nations economy today depends on the hard work and the many contributions of immigrants. The agricultural industry would grind to a halt without immigrant farm workers. Yet. the overwhelming majority of these workers lack legal status. and can be easily exploited by unscrupulous employers. The legislation we are introducing. called the "AgJOBS Act." is an opportunity to correct these longfestering problems. It will give farm workers and their families the dignity and justice they deserve. and it will give agricultural employers a legal workforce. It is a realistic compromise that now has broad support in Congress. and from business and labor. civic and faithbased organizations. liberals and conservatives. trade associations and immigrant rights groups. The Act is a needed reform in our immigration law to reflect current economic realities and meet our national security needs more effectively. and do so in a way that respects Americas immigrant heritage. It provides a fair and reasonable means for illegal agricultural workers to earn legal status. and it also reforms the current visa program. so that employers unable to obtain American workers can hire needed foreign workers.
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