United Farm Workers Foundation Rally For Immigration Reform Bill
SALINAS, Calif. — The United Farm Workers Foundation of Salinas rallied Thursday, after hearing news that the U.S. Senate passed the immigration reform bill. Undocumented workers on the Central Coast say the bill passing by a majority in the Senate, shows that the country is ready for this reform.
Signs at the rally read "victory in the senate," something the union celebrated.
"Its a big victory," said Teresa Serrano.
Serrano has been working in the fields for 45 years, but she loves it.
"I know that my work produces food for a lot of people, and I feel very proud to be doing that," said Serrano.
Serrano also said for some undocumented ag workers, it’s hard. She said some get overworked with no benefits and don’t speak up because they fear getting deported.
But the bi-partisan immigration reform bill, could clear the way for undocumented people to gain U.S. Citizenship. Farm workers included.
"What that really means is people will be able to come out of the shadows, people will be able to produce in a good economy, and give back to the economy," said Jesus Valenzuela.
Its a bill supported by the California Farm Bureau. Bureau President Paul Wegner said "it’s time we provide immigrant farm employees with a system that recognizes their contributions and permits them to work legally on our farms and ranches."
But for the movement the work isn’t over until the bill passes the house.
"Its time to unite, and defend yourself! because we all have rights," said Serrano.
The UFW Foundation also said that the bill will also promote a healthier community, where more people will trust police officers more, since they wont have that fear of getting deported.