Whale Blubber Over Sensible Immigration Reform

A recent editorial in the LA TIMES gives Americans something to talk about. A new legislation named AgJOBS will provide a temporary work permit to immigrant farm workers and eventually the possibility for citizenship. The farm workers do the grueling tasks that most Americans wouldn’t even consider doing especially at the low wages these harvesters are working at. This legislation will keep produce at a low cost and prevent the U.S from importing more than it already does. Rep. Steve King (R- Iowa) thinks otherwise. According to him, Americans should stop eating produce because it is not a necessary part of our diets (the food pyramid lies?) he then went on to say, "I'm wondering how the Eskimos got along all those centuries without fruits and vegetables!" I agree that we should provide these workers with temporary work permits, with proper screening of course, but I am not so fond of the idea that these work permits will provide a path to their citizenship. I think this new piece of legislation should be edited a little bit but it is a very good alternative to the current immigration ideals. I think that the author intended for democrats and those who support illegal immigration. It appeals to those who want to do something about our immigration laws. The author argues that the problems with this type of legislation don’t originate solely from the idea that produce unnecessary part of our diet but the fact that these immigrants are taking jobs that could be occupied by Americans, at a cost. He claims that these jobs aren’t conducive to an American lifestyle. On top of the tedious work, the farmers have to migrate when seasonal crops cannot be harvested where they are located. I agree that these jobs are not the type of jobs Americans want to be doing. He goes on to argue that even if these jobs did go to Americans, the cost of local produce would be so high, it would be more expensive than readily available imports. The reality of complete outsourcing is already taking shape “At least 84,155 acres of production and 22,285 jobs that once were in the U.S. have moved to Mexico”. The fear of giving immigrants jobs is costing us more money than anything. Those opposed to this legislation should reconsider. I would love to see one of these guys, suit and all, go out into those fields and do an honest day’s work. Until that happens I will say that these illegals are doing our dirty work so that we can have the things we want. Fresh fruit, nice leafy green salads are all available at a low price in your local grocer.