After waiting fruitlessly for Congress to act, “California lawmakers are considering a measure to allow work permits for farmworkers living in the country illegally,” reports the Los Angeles Times. If enacted, the bill would seek federal approval of the program. Sponsored by Assemblyman Luis Alejo, it “would give permits to individuals already residing in the state without authorization and working in agriculture.” The permits would cover laborers and their immediate family, allowing them to stay in California without risk of deportation. “The workers would have be at least 18, have performed a minimum amount of agricultural labor in the state and pay a fee to help cover administrative costs.”
Farmers support the bill because of a labor shortage and the cumbersome operation of the H-2A guest-worker program. Backers include California Citrus Mutual and the California Farm Bureau.
Utah passed a work-authorization program in 2011 and has twice delayed its implementation while waiting for federal approval.