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 May 8, 2020 / Modified may 8, 2020 12:33 p.m.

Senators seek suspension of new guest-worker visas

They're using the same reasoning Trump gave the initial order pausing certain immigration. by Matthew Casey, Fronteras Desk

Yuma harvest Workers harvest greens alongside farm equipment in the Yuma area in this file photo.
AZPM

PHOENIX — A group of Republican senators is pushing President Trump to expand his April proclamation to pause certain immigration.

The senators want a suspension of all new guest-worker visas, and they’re using the same reasoning Trump gave for the initial order.

Protect American workers by not making them compete for jobs with foreigners, says a letter to Trump signed by senators from Arkansas, Texas, Iowa and Missouri.

Guest-worker programs bring in people with a wide range of skills and education. One lets foreign college students and graduates temporarily work in their field.

The letter calls guest-worker programs a threat to the U.S. labor market bouncing back from COVID-19.

Federal rules already require that Americans get first dibs on farm work and other seasonal jobs.

Between the beginning of October and the end of March, Arizona ranked among the top 10 states in the country for hiring guest farm workers.

Fronteras Desk
Fronteras Desk is a KJZZ project covering important stories in an expanse stretching from Northern Arizona deep into northwestern Mexico.
MORE: Coronavirus, Fronteras Desk, Immigration, News
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