Effort to Slow Down the E-Verify System
Watch the video for extended coverage from Action News reporter Gene Haagenson.
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Valley's farm industry is fighting a plan to force employers to electronically verify the immigration status of all their employees.
A bill in congress would make the so-called E-Verify program mandatory. Valley growers say it would destroy the state's agriculture business which depends on undocumented workers.
Barry Bedwell of the California Fresh Fruit Association says immigration reform needs to come first -- so growers can have a legal workforce.
Bedwell said, "It's all about timing, what we are trying to communicate is you really can't have an effective E-Verify program in advance of immigration reform and still maintain a sector as it is now for agriculture."
The E-Verify legislation is one of several immigration bills moving through congress. The Valley's congressional delegation is opposed to the measure.
