Will The 117th Congress Address Immigration Reform

The current Congress will address many big issues over the next two years that will have a direct impact on the farming community. From how the country rebounds from the COVID pandemic, to the best ways to expand trade opportunities, and how to improve a crumbling infrastructure nationwide. And while it may not be the top of mind for many, immigration reform is key for farm country.

During a roundtable discussion Michael Torrey, with Michael Torrey and Associates in Washington D.C., as well as Jay Truitt, of Policy Solutions LLC also in D.C., discussed is meaningful immigration reform will take place during the 117^th Congress. Torrey said when it comes to immigration reform, the Administration will want to look at the debate through an economic filter.

“Does it help grow the economy whether it’s rural or urban, or does it hinder it?  And clearly one of the limiting factors in rural America is labor and that applies not just on the farm, it also applies to a lot of food companies from a distribution standpoint and a manufacturing standpoint so the demand for change is there.”

Torrey said because of the gridlock in D.C., he does not anticipate long-term changes, but rather Executive Orders dealing with the immigration problem.

Meanwhile Truitt said you can’t look at addressing immigration without tackling the illegal immigration problem.

“And I’m not one of the people who buys in that we’re going to find some magic holy grail to solve the immigration discussion in the United States.  If you believe that I honestly kind of think you’re kidding yourself.  And it’s fun to talk about but the truth is it’s just not going to happen.”

Both men agreed that the agriculture community is in desperate need of skilled workers, and something must be done to ensure farmers can continue to produce.

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