FFVA Responds to U.S. House Failure to Consider Immigration Reform

Randall Weiseman Citrus, Florida, Fruits, General, Industry News Release, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

From the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association:

MAITLAND, FL (July 10, 2014) — Florida Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart announced this afternoon that House Republican leadership does not intend to bring an immigration bill to the floor. The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association issued this statement in response:

“We are extremely disappointed at the refusal of Republican leadership in the House to consider legislation that would reform our broken immigration system.

“This was our last, best chance for the near-term to achieve what FFVA and other groups have worked tirelessly on for years: immigration reform that would give growers the solution they need to have an adequate, legal workforce. The labor crisis in agriculture and its effect on our communities and economy will only worsen unless and until Congress steps up and does its job.

“Despite this giant setback, FFVA thanks Florida Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart for his hard work, leadership and understanding of the complexities of the issue and our desperate need for a bipartisan solution. We aren’t giving up, and we remain committed to working on a solution for agriculture.”