Members of Congress are pushing forward with legislation that would legalize as many as 500,000 undocumented immigrants employed as farmworkers.  The Bush administration has yet to endorse this measure, but analysts believe that this measure stands a better chance of winning approval before the general election in the fall than other immigration reform measures.

The Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits and Security Act, or “AgJobs Bill,” has been in the works for over seven years.  Backers of the bill include the American Farm Bureau, the United Farm Workers, the AFL-CIO, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Council of La Raza. 

Under the bill, immigrants who could prove they worked in agriculture for 100 days from March 1, 2002, to August 31, 2003, would qualify for a temporary-work visa.  They could then “earn” legalized status if they continue to work in agriculture for at least 360 days over the next six years.  The bill would also make is easier for farmers to hire foreign workers through a less bureaucratic temporary-visa program.

Senator Larry Craig, R-Idaho, and Senator Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., the bill’s chief sponsors, have attracted 54 sponsors so far from both parties.  Over the next couple of weeks, the pair seeks to gain 60 votes of support, which would allow the bill to overcome delay tactics in the Senate.

The bill still faces considerable opposition in the House, with only 94 House co-sponsors, far short of the 218 needed for passage.