By Vivian Padilla | Cronkite News Service
U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., says a comprehensive immigration reform bill he is working on with a bipartisan group of senators will include a temporary worker program covering more than agriculture.
“In particular, we feel here in Arizona tht in construction, not just agriculture, we have a need for foreign workers,” Flake told an Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry luncheon.
Flake said the so-called Gang of Eight hasn’t signed off on any deal yet but is working to balance job opportunities for Americans with the need for foreign workers who can fill low-wage, low-skill jobs.
“What we’ve tried to do is have a system that meets the needs of employers and the labor community,” he said.
Flake said the immigration bill would provide an expedited path toward citizenship for those in the agriculture industry.
If you’d like to discuss immigration matters, Brian Bergin, bbergin@roselawgroup.com
