Immigration Reform Clears Senate

Comprehensive package includes Craig's AgJOBS provisions

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Idaho Senator Larry Craig praised passage today of S.2611, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006. The bill includes the provisions of Craig's AgJOBS legislation, which addresses the agriculture industry's need for a stable, secure, legal workforce.

"Is this bill perfect? No," Craig said. "But it realistically addresses the immigration challenges facing America today by delivering in each of the three critical areas of reform: better border security, increased internal enforcement, and visa reform. Without all three, reform is meaningless, because it will be incomplete and ineffective.

"I'm very pleased that Idaho's growers are one step closer to being able to hire workers more efficiently, with confidence those workers are here legally. Without that ability, and without those workers, crops will rot in the field and American agriculture will look to outsourcing to foreign countries. I doubt Americans want to be dependent on foreign nations for food in the same way we are for oil. If it becomes law, this legislation will prevent that from happening.

"As we move forward, I will encourage my fellow House and Senate negotiators to work together with American farmers and consumers in mind, and reach a compromise soon."

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