According to the Department of Labor, 53 percent of the nation’s agricultural workforce is composed of unsanctioned foreign laborers.

In California, that number is estimated to be as high as 90 percent in largely agricultural areas. Rep. Eshoo has consistently supported legislation that would meet the seasonal and temporary labor needs of California farmers and reduce incentives for workers to stay in the U.S. illegally. Such legislation streamlines the cumbersome process for farmers to access legal migrant workers approved for H-2A agricultural temporary visas, and creates a two-stage process for H-2A visa holders and their families to become permanent legal residents, should they choose to do so.