BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WPMI) The White House is praising an agreement on immigration reform reached by senators from both parties. The bipartisan group announced its plan for a sweeping overhaul, including a path to citizenship for 11 million illegal immigrants.
The plan also includes increased border security, a guest worker system, and employer verification.
On the farm and in the market, talk of immigration reform with things like creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants goes a long way.
"Baldwin County, Mobile County, Southern Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana we all need this," said Rick Stewart, Produce Broker and owner of Burris Farm Market in Loxley.
Alabama's recent crackdown on illegal immigrants created nothing short of a worker shortage on the farm.
"You know the last couple of years the farmers have been scared to bring the migrant workers in, and the migrant workers have been scared to come in to the field, " said Stewart.
Monday, what is being touted as bipartisan immigration reform calls for a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who are already in the United States.
"An amnesty program is probably the most efficient way to handle this problem. Then at that point really get focused on locking down your borders. Who's here is here now, it's time to live the American dream," said Allen Woerner with Woerner Turf in Foley.
Senators are also talking about strengthening the E-Verify system making it non forgeable. The last election sent a message to Washington, get something done on immigration. In the end, brokers and farmers say the price of food my depend on it.
"I think we'll see a better price. I think you could see a good year this year if this happens and happens quickly," said Stewart.
"You know we are all immigrants, including myself. I came from Germany, that's my family background you know. That's what America was built on is immigrants so we got to figure out a way to make this happen and make it work for everybody," said Woerner.
Senators are pledging to have an immigration bill on table by this summer. Tuesday we will hear from the President on the same issue.
