[Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) released the following statement Friday in response to Gov. Douglas’ concerns about illegal immigrants working on Vermont dairy farms.  Leahy, the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has sponsored legislation in the Senate to reform the H2-A visa program for temporary agricultural labor.  The Judiciary Committee is expected to consider immigration reform proposals this spring.]

“Vermont dairy farmers are the backbone of Vermont’s economy, and immigrant workers contribute to our industry’s vitality,” said Leahy.  “I am a cosponsor of the AgJOBS bill, which would provide an opportunity for illegal workers to come out of the shadows and obtain legal permanent residency in return for the contributions they have made and will continue to make to American agriculture and to our state’s economy.  Unfortunately the Administration’s guest worker proposal would only make the situation more difficult to resolve for Vermont dairies.

“AgJobs has broad bipartisan support in the Senate, and it has support from a broad coalition of the agriculture industry.  When the Judiciary Committee considers immigration reform this spring, I will continue to press for solutions that reflect the needs of Vermont’s dairy farmers.”

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