For Immediate Release

Date: October 2, 2007

Because Farm Workers Are Vital to this Nation

The Fair Immigration Reform Movement stands in solidarity for the enactment of the AgJobs Bill

(Washington, DC) This week, farm workers from across the United States will gather in Washington, DC to show their support for the Agricultural Job Opportunities Benefits and Security Act (S 340 and HR 371).  Since Congress failed to move forward on a comprehensive immigration reform bill, pro-immigrant groups have thrown support behind smaller but important legislation impacting particular segments of the immigrant community, including the DREAM Act and the AgJOBS bill.  The AgJOBS bill is a unique agreement between farm worker organizations, agricultural employers and Members of Congress from both parties and it has broad support from immigrant, civil rights, religious and agricultural organizations.

Statement of the Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM):

The Fair Immigration Reform Movement stands in solidarity with the nation's farm workers in calling for the enactment of the AgJOBS bill.  When Congress failed to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill earlier this year, it left bear the wide ranging consequences of failure.  Among those consequences is the ongoing treatment of hardworking farm workers and the backbreaking work it takes to put food on our tables and the impact that the federal government's enforcement-focused policies could have on our nation's agricultural industry.  Our economy depends on the work of immigrants in our field and farms.  It's time to acknowledge the importance of these workers, protect their hard work and create a path to earned citizenship by passing the AgJOBS bill.  It's the best way to protect their lives, their health and the strength of our economy.

Contact:

Germonique Jones 202-339-9331; Cheryl Aguilar 202-339-9316

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The Center for Community Change is a nonprofit, nonpartisan low income advocacy group that promotes the development of community organizing as a national force for social and economic justice. FIRM (Fair Immigration Reform Movement) is a coalition of grassroots community organizations nationwide, working on behalf of comprehensive immigration reform and immigrant rights and is convened by Center for Community Change and part of the We Are America Alliance.. www.communitychange.org, www.immigrantrightsmovement.org, www.www.fairimmigration.org