Immigration reform has taken center stage. It's all over the internet. It's the headline on our news feeds and farmers in Tulare County are paying close attention.
Patricia Stever Blattler with the Tulare County Farm Bureau said, "We're encouraged, cautiously optimistic that this is headed in the right direction."
She's cautiously optimistic because she says agriculture has special needs and there's a labor shortage in the county.
"They could be made worse by reform that takes workers away from Ag and makes our border security stronger," Blattler added, "But there is also opportunity in that reform to make sure there is a comprehensive reform to the guest worker program."
The proposed legislation aims to fill those jobs and it would also penalize employers who hire illegal immigrants.
Stephen Tootle, a history teacher at College of the Sequoias says the system needs to be adjusted but doesn't believe there's a perfect solution, "Everyone is looking for a compromise, a common sense, middle of the ground solution... I just don't know if that's really possible."
At this point, farmers are waiting on more details before giving full support. Many are eager to hear what President has to say on the issue on Tuesday.
TXT 24
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