Ag organizations voice concerns about E-verify legislation

Society of American Florists reports it continues to work with other members of the Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform, to advise Congress of the devastating impact passage of the proposed “Legal Workforce Act” (H.R. 2164) will have on agriculture. ACIR members are seeking an amendment to the bill that would include a workable agricultural labor program.

A group of over 75 agricultural organizations led by ACIR and the American Farm Bureau, have sent a letter to Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-21 Texas), who is the sponsor and lead proponent of the bill. The letter indicates that “legislation mandating E-Verify for agriculture without provisions implementing an agricultural worker program will result in fewer U.S. jobs, a smaller U.S. agricultural sector, weaker rural communities, erosion of our nation’s food security and a less vibrant economy.”

SAF advises growers to contact their Congressional representatives about the impact that the Smith bill will have on the horticulture industry. SAF said the August recess is an excellent time to contact lawmakers, because they will likely be in the district and holding meetings. Growers can check their representative’s website, which should provide a schedule of meetings planned during August.

Growers can also go to the SAF website for an email to send to their representatives about the industry’s labor needs.