Action Alert

Several House and Senate members have unveiled an illegal alien amnesty plan that will swell the entry of cheap foreign farm labor into the United States and allow a half-million illegal aliens already in the country to work legally.

The proposal, the Agricultural Job Opportunity Benefits and Security Act, would grant immediate legal status to all illegal aliens currently in the country who worked in agriculture for at least 150 days in the last year, approximately 500,000. The amnesty will encourage illegal immigration and depress wages and working conditions for America's farm workers. The sponsors of the measure have claimed a labor shortage necessitates the action - despite a decade's worth of government and academic research showing a surplus of farm labor.

Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Bob Graham (D-FL) and Representatives Jim Kolbe (R-AZ), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Gary Condit (D-CA) and Richard Pombo (R-CA) disclosed their scheme at a Capitol Hill news conference Wednesday morning.

Call these members and let them know you oppose their plan because it will increase illegal immigration, depress wages, and worsen working conditions for America's farmworkers. Make sure you also call your Senators and Representative to share your opposition to this misguided plan. You can reach any House or Senate member by calling the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121.

For more information, contact FAIR's legislative department at (202) 328-7004.

FAIR, 10/99.