AgJOBS - what is proposed?

 

AgJOBS Summary (from the Congressional Research Service)

Reportedly, some Immigration rights advocates are moving from Comprehensive Immigration Reform to "Plan B" that pushes for immediate enactment of the DREAM Act and AgJOBS. I've written a good deal about the DREAM Act, but haven't spent much time on AgJOBS. Here is a brief summary of the legislation as it is currently proposed.

The provisions of the Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits, and Security Act of 2009 (AgJOBS) provide for temporary resident status for workers who can prove performance of agricultural employment in the U.S. for 150 work days or 863 hours during the 24-month period ending December 31, 2008. Temporary status holders may apply for permanent residence after a designated time of continued agricultural employment after the enactment of the legislation. Spouses and minor children of workers who are present in the U.S. could also remain legally in the U.S.  

Also included in the legislation is a streamlining of the H-2A temporary agricultural worker's program .

Photo: Congresswoman Lofgren joins farm workers picking strawberries in the fields as part of the UFW's Take Our Job campaign