The bill, introduced by Rep. James Sensenbrenner (WI), addresses only one side of the issue, and offers no effective means for dealing with the approximately 11 million illegal immigrants already in the U.S.  Further, the bill’s provisions would likely result in the arrest and deportation of seasonal workers, devastating the Central Valley’s agriculture community and overwhelming local law enforcement. It would also require retroactive electronic verification of employment, which would punish legal workers and essentially eliminate the workforce for many growers in the Central Valley.

“Sensenbrenner’s bill is not the right medicine for this problem. It would be terribly detrimental to the agriculture industry in the Central Valley,” said Cardoza.  “I support additional border security and a comprehensive strategy to deal with illegal immigration. We are in need of a serious and comprehensive overhaul of U.S. immigration policy, not a half-baked bill that doesn’t deal with reality and hurts employers.”

Rep. Cardoza’s Record on Immigration:

• Voted to Authorize the use of the military to assist in border control functions
• Voted in favor of the REAL ID Act, which would require the proof of “legal presence” in order to obtain a drivers license.
• Voted to ensure completion of the San Diego border fence
• Voted to require the construction of security fencing, including lights and cameras, along certain ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border
• Voted to strengthen laws for deportation of terrorists
• Voted to give security screening personnel access to law enforcement and intelligence information maintained by the Dept. of Homeland Security
• Voted for increased border patrol; expedite removal of illegal aliens 

Groups Opposed to H.R. 4437

California Farm Bureau Federation 

Western Growers

Nisei Farmers League

California Grape and Tree Fruit League

California Asparagus Commission

California Association of Winegrape Growers

California Poultry Federation