WASHINGTON, DC – FWD.us President Todd Schulte issued the following statement today on the reintroduction of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide undocumented farmworkers and their immediate family members legal immigration status and a path to citizenship:

“We’re encouraged to see the reintroduction of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which would provide a long-overdue pathway to citizenship for undocumented farmworkers and their immediate family members. The bill also takes steps to modernize the agriculture guest worker visa, helping provide stability for farmers and the agricultural workforce. Every day, the labor of farmworkers – which is dangerous and incredibly difficult – supports the critical function of our economy and keeps our food supply chain safe and moving.

“A majority of our nation’s roughly 2.4 million farmworkers are undocumented and live with the daily fear of deportation. They go to work every day helping to keep food on our tables as essential workers, despite not knowing if they will be able to remain together and safe with their families in the country they’ve called home for decades. The contributions of undocumented farmworkers are vital to our nation’s continued public health and economic recovery from COVID-19, and they deserve the protections, safety and peace of mind afforded by a pathway to citizenship.

“We will continue fighting to provide these individuals and their families permanent legal status, and urge Democrats and Republicans to come together to swiftly pass this bill, protect American families and grow our economy.”