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Senate Judiciary Committee to hold hearing on ag labor reform Wednesday
The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on ag labor reform tomorrow.
Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley says the seasonal H-2A Visa program will be under review.
“This program was created decades ago to secure a stable flow of legal agriculture labor into our country. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work well for many ag employers in Iowa (and elsewhere).”
On a call with ag reporters this morning, he says that’s because animal agriculture and ag processing are not seasonal businesses.
Grassley wants the H-2A program expanded to cover year-round agricultural industries.
“Reforms should also involve streamlining the program, reducing red tape and addressing the high cost of using the program.”
Grassley says any immigration reform should also broaden the E-Verify system, but he opposes mass amnesty for current illegal immigrant farm workers.
