Cattlemen Join the Call for Immigration Reform

In order to continue to provide the most safe and affordable food supply in the world, our nation’s farmers and ranchers need a reliable, dependable workforce. For real immigration reform to take place we must revamp our failed visa system for guest workers and international day laborers. 

The most recent guest column from the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association illustrates the desperate need for guest worker reform to help farmers and ranchers all across the U.S. Below is an expert of the column written by Pete Bonds.

“Let’s be clear, ranchers don’t support blanket amnesty. Amnesty and citizenship should be a separate debate. Let’s also be clear that these workers aren’t taking away American jobs. At our ranch in Falls County – a county with a high unemployment rate—we can’t find U.S. citizens who will do the hard work of ranching. We go through 5 or 10 U.S. employees a year because, when we do find someone, they typically quit within a few weeks. Migrant workers are simply doing the jobs that most Americans refuse to do.

“The livestock industry needs a steady, year-round workforce. This is why Texas ranchers support a plan that allows immigrants who want to work in the U.S. an opportunity to do so.”

I invite you to read the full column by clicking here.