< back
PROPOSED AGRICULTURAL WORKER REFORM BILL MEETS WITH OPPOSITION FROM FARMWORKERS
Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) last fall proposed a bill that would allow migrant farmworkers to become permanent residents if they work a sufficient amount of time in agriculture.  The bill has been met with criticism from farmworker advocates, who argue the bill would essentially create a period of indentured servitude until permanent residency is achieved.  It has also been criticized by traditional anti-immigrant sectors.  For example, Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX), the chairman of the House Immigration Subcommittee, opposes the bill because he believes it will take jobs away from US workers. 
Sen. Smith’s bill is now facing opposition from the group it was intended to help – migrant farmworkers.  During a recent series of meetings in Oregon with agricultural workers, many of the workers registered their problems with the bill.  Chief among these is that it makes no provision for family members.  Another principal concern was that the bill requires a person towork 180 days in agriculture for five years before applying for residence, when the average work year in agriculture is more like 135 days.  
Responding to the criticisms, Sen. Smith acknowledged that he “may not have it perfect” and pointed out that he is one of the few legislators trying to do something about the issue.  Farmers have long complained about a shortage of workers willing to do the hard physical labor required, and for just as long farmworker advocates have argued that if there was better pay there would be more willing legal workers.