Newhouse-sponsored farm immigration bill passes U.S. House

On Dec. 11, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan-backed Farm Workforce Modernization Act on a 260-165 vote. The bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), seeks to address immigration issues facing the farming community.

The bill was introduced with the support of 26 Democrats and 23 Republicans and has been negotiated throughout much of the past year between legislators, agricultural stakeholders and labor organizations. The bill would establish a program for agricultural workers in the country, as well as their spouses and minor children, to earn legal status through continued employment in the ag industry.

To gain initial eligibility, applicants must show at least 180 days of ag employment over the last two years. Qualified applicants would be provided 5-year renewable agriculture visas, which can be renewed by working at least 100 days in the ag industry each year. For those who have ag experience but don’t meet the criteria for eligibility, the option of applying for H-2A visas is available.

The bill is supported by more than 300 agricultural groups and labor organizations, including the Washington Growers League, the Washington State Dairy Federation, the Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association, the Washington State Potato Commission and the Washington State Tree Fruit Association. One wheat growers organization, the California Wheat Growers Association, also supported the bill.

“Creating a legal and reliable workforce for American agriculture has been one of my highest priorities since coming to Congress,” said Rep. Newhouse in a statement. “Our farmers and ranchers facing a labor crisis need relief, and the men and women who contribute to our nation’s agriculture industry need certainty. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is the first step. This bill is our opportunity to finally provide stability to America’s farms and a significant improvement over the status quo.”

In Washington state, the bill was also co-sponsored by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R) and Rep. Kim Schrier (D).

“I am excited to support this bipartisan bill that will address current and future agriculture needs in Washington State and improve job opportunities for farm workers,” said Rep. Schrier in a statement. “Labor plays a crucial role in our country’s agriculture economy because as we all know, crops don’t wait and millions of dollars are at stake. The farmers and orchardists I meet within the eighth district all say that a stable workforce is critical to their ability to put food on our tables.”

The bill now moves to consideration by the U.S. Senate.