United States, 17th July: California is all set to allow work permits for farm workers who are unlawful immigrants.
Yes, California lawmakers are considering this measure for unlawful farm workers soon.
<blockquote> California lawmakers will offer work permits to unlawful farm workers here soon. </blockquote>
The bill has been introduced by Assemblyman Luis Alejo(D-Watsonville). Speaking about the bill, he said that the worst sufferers are their families back home and there does not seem to be any solution.
It needs to be worth mentioned that immigrant rights groups and labor unions of California had opposed a similar move announced three years ago.
Details of proposed California work permit proposal for unlawful California farm workers—Well, as per the details, the bill will lead to creation of a group to get authority for the proposal from the US Department of Justice and US Department of Homeland Security.
So, the proposed program will allow California work permits to those already in California without any authorization and already working in agriculture. It will not aim to offer temporary work visas to foreign farm workers.
Some other facts about California work permits for unlawful farm workers—Lets see these here—
- Laborers and their immediate family members including their spouses and children below 18 years or enrolled at any accredited institute will be able to live in California without any fear of getting deported.
- Meanwhile, farm workers must be not less than 18 years, must have worked as agricultural labor in California for a minimum period and need to pay a fee for covering administration costs.
- The eligibility will not be for felons or those with three misdemeanor convictions.
California farmers welcome the move—California farmers are elated by the latest move by California lawmakers. For as long as three decades, they have been awaiting such a move.
California is already facing a severe shortage of agricultural laborers. That’s because US born citizens are not willing to do odd farm jobs. Hence, California farms are dependent on immigrant farm workers only.
So, as far as the new proposal is concerned, California has nothing to lose but everything to gain, Alejo informed. Moreover, considering the fact that nearly 50 to 70 percent of California farm workers are unlawful, the proposal is worthy.