UFW applauds California Republican David Valadao for co-sponsoring House comprehensive immigration bill
Valadao becomes third Republican to sign on bill H.R. 15, which includes the agricultural provisions negotiated by UFW and major grower associations
Arturo S. Rodriguez, president of the United Farm Workers of America, issued the following statement after Congressman David Valadao (R-Handford) announced today he is joining other Democrats and Republicans in co-sponsoring the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, also known as H.R. 15. The bill is pending a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives
The United Farm Workers and the farm worker movement commends Congressman David Valadao for doing the right thing and co-sponsoring the H.R. 15 bill. The measure was introduced a few weeks ago, and it includes an earned path to citizenship for new immigrants, as well as agricultural provisions negotiated by the UFW and major grower associations. The UFW will continue to meet with lawmakers from both parties and White House officials, while garnering public support through our community activities until we achieve comprehensive immigration reform with a path to citizenship. Through bipartisan leadership, we can solve the San Joaquin Valley’s and our nation’s immigration system problem."
Congressman David Valadao stated:
“I have been working with the United Farm Workers, agricultural producers, businesses, and constituents with families throughout my district, and believe the time is now to fix our immigration system. I have been working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find common ground on the issue of immigration reform. Recently, I have focused my efforts on joining with likeminded Republicans in organizing and demonstrating to Republican Leadership broad support within the Party to address immigration reform in the House by the end of the year,” stated Congressman Valadao (follow him on Twitter: @RepDavidValadao.
He continued, “By supporting H.R. 15 I am strengthening my message: Addressing immigration reform in the House cannot wait. I am serious about making real progress and will remain committed to doing whatever it takes to repair our broken immigration system.”
In July, the UFW, along with other immigration reform advocates, hosted a town hall meeting in Bakersfield, where Congressman Valadao, who represents parts of Kern County, met with Latino leaders and members of the business, faith and farm worker community and promised to help move forward with immigration reform legislation. We are glad to see he’s a man of his word and has moved into action to help pass a common sense approach to fixing our broken immigration system. A revised system that is fair to agricultural workers and makes business sense will benefit our Central Valley, state and country.
We urge Congresman Valadao to help persuade the Republican leadership, including House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, to bring H.R. 15 for a vote. We have time to pass immigration reform. We have bipartisan support. All we ask is that House Republicans allow a vote.
Follow the UFW on Twitter: @UFWupdates.
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