Congressional Hispanic Caucus Endorses Farm Workforce Modernization Act

WASHINGTON — The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is proud to announce endorsement of H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Introduced by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, this bill would create meaningful reforms to support farmworkers and the agricultural industry alike by stabilizing the farm workforce and providing a pathway to legal status for workers and their families.

The legislation would establish a program for agricultural workers and their families in the United States to earn legal immigration status through continued employment in the agricultural field. The process will include requirements for employment in agriculture for at least 180 days over the last two years and at least 100 days per year to renew status as a Certified Agricultural Worker. Long-term workers would be able to pursue a green card. The legislation would also ensure critical protections for workers that are needed to ensure their safety, a stable income, and workers' rights.

"Farmworkers, many of whom are Latino immigrants, spend long hours for weeks on end in the fields in order to feed families and communities across America. Our farms would not be able to plant or harvest crops without their hard work, but these laborers cannot fully participate in our society because they do not have a clear pathway to legal status. Our Hispanic Caucus is taking a stand to support these workers and their families by proudly endorsing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill drafted with input from both the agricultural industry and labor stakeholders and guided through negotiations by members of our Caucus, many of whom are original cosponsors of this bill," said Chairman Castro. "Part of the American Dream is ensuring that all families, no matter their background, are able to succeed and create a better life for their children. I'm grateful to Congresswoman Lofgren for her groundbreaking work to provide legal status and create an Infrastructure of Opportunity for these dedicated workers and their children."

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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.