Farmers, critics divided over proposed migrant workers bill

Federal lawmakers are considering a bill that proponents say would help to stabilize the migrant work force on which Michigan agriculture depends.

If it passes, the bill will legalize about 1.5 million undocumented agricultural laborers over five years. The bill also proposes making the federal H-2A program that gets foreign workers into the country legally less burdensome. It would allow illegal workers to apply for a blue card (temporary residency) and eventually get a green card visa (permanent residency).

Immigration reform is a priority for the Obama administration, but with so many other issues on the table, it’s unclear when lawmakers will get to it. And, if a comprehensive reform of immigration is not reached, it’s unknown if Congress will vote on the piecemeal bill, experts say.

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