“Finally. I mean it's not over yet, but we've made a big huge leap in the right direction,” Cunha said by phone while traveling to D.C.
Two main issues are how many guest workers would be allowed per year and how much they would be paid.
“We want immigration reform for the 11 million that are here already instead of bringing more people in. And those 11 million people, what are we going to do with them?” said Clarita Cortes of the U.F.W. Foundation.
Cortes says 100 farm workers from the Valley are already in D.C. On Wendesday they'll rally for reform and explain how it'll change their lives.
“They're going to be able to live their American dream which is to buy a house, be part of this country,” said Cortes.
Meanwhile, growers hope reform means security for their farms and the people working them.
Congressman David Valadao gave this statement to CBS47:
“While momentum has been building in both the House and Senate Chambers, no final agreements have been reached regarding comprehensive immigration reform. Concessions regarding rules governing visas for foreign agricultural workers and border security thresholds have yet to be finalized.
Comprehensive immigration reform is my top priority as a Member of Congress. Not only does federal immigration policy have serious consequences for thousands of families in the
I, along with my House colleagues, will continue to develop legislative language in regards to agriculture portions of the House comprehensive reform package. It is time both parties come together on this crucial issue.”