"It's been over 30 years since Congress has passed meaningful immigration reform."
THE FARM WORKFORCE MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2019 would stabilize the existing workforce by giving immigrant farm employees a chance to earn a renewable 5-year Certified Agriculture Worker (CAW) visa to continue working in U.S. agriculture. This protective status under the CAW visa would also apply to immediate family members currently residing in the United States.
In addition, the bill would provide solutions for future workforce needs by modernizing and streamlining the existing H-2A agricultural visa program, to provide more flexibility for employers and ensure critical protections for foreign employees. The bill will also provide access to a guestworker program for year-round employers, such as in dairy and livestock.
California Farm Bureau Federation ©copyright 2019. All rights reserved.
Jamie Johansson
President California Farm Bureau Federation
Agricultural employment in California accounted for more than 400,000 jobs
Without enough employees, healthy fruits and vegetables end up rotting in fields and farms struggle.