June 25, 2010

Immigration Letters and Challenges

Governor Brewer wants more information from the President while farm workers are challenging people to work

The White House and the Department of Homeland Security this week began to outline a border plan. The proposal includes more unmanned aircraft patrolling the US-Mexico border as well as even more National Guard troops than originally planner. However, Governor Jan Brewer is still not satisfied with the answers she is getting out of Washington. Following the announcement, she sent a letter to President Obama demanding more details. Not only does she want a timetable but she wants to know what is in store for Arizona specifically. The Governor also said she wanted that information before her meeting with White House officials on June 8th. That meeting will take place in Phoenix, the President will not be there.

In the meantime, the United Farm Workers want people to put their labor where their mouth is. Arturo Rodriguez, the president of the UFW, says he is tired of hearing people say illegal immigrants are taking jobs from Americans so the union has launched the take our jobs website. On the site anyone can fill out an application to become a farm worker and the UFW will help find that person a position. Rodriguez says he hopes not only American citizens but also politicians and pundits apply for jobs.

According to the US Department of Labor, 75% of agricultural workers in the United States are foreign born and 50% of that group is in the country illegally. Rodriguez says without the immigrant labor the agricultural industry in the US would come to a stop.

Governor Brewer’s letter to President Obama

Interview with UFW President Arturo Rodriguez

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