Speech #1100002219

This legislation will modify the current temporary foreign agricultural worker program. while preserving and enhancing key labor protections. It achieves a fair balance. It streamlines the H2A visa application process by reducing paperwork for employers and accelerating processing. But individuals participating in the program receive strong labor protections. Our legislation will unify families. When temporary residence is granted a farm workers spouse and minor children will be able to remain legally in the U.S. but they will not be authorized to work. When the worker becomes a permanent resident. the spouse and minor children will also gain such status. AgJOBS will also enhance national security and reduce illegal immigration. It will reduce the chaotic. illegal. and alltoodeadly flows of immigrants at our borders by providing safe and legal avenues for farm workers and their families. Future temporary workers will be carefully screened to meet security concerns. Enforcement resources will be more effectively focused on the highest risks. By bringing undocumented farm workers out of the shadows and requiring them to pass through security checks. it will enable officials to concentrate more effectively on terrorists and criminals. Last year. Senators came togetherDemocrats and Republicansto pass a farreaching immigration reform bill that included the AgJOBS bill. The American people are calling on us to come together again. They know there is a crisis. and they want action now. President Bush has been a leader on immigration reform. and Im hopeful that he will renew his efforts with members of his party. so that we can continue action quickly this year on comprehensive reform legislation and end this festering crisis once and for all. The House of Representatives is now ready to be a genuine partner in this effort. By heritage and history. America is a Nation of immigrants. Our legislation proposes necessary changes in the law while preserving this tradition. This bill will ensure that immigrant farm workers can live the American dream and contribute to our prosperity. our security. and our values. and I hope very much that it can be enacted as soon as possible in this new Congress. By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself.