02/15/08 Lots of talk, no immigration reform action

Many ag producers say it's the one issue that must be resolved. IDAHO AG PRODUCER "Immigration and what's going on with that right now. That's an issue for me that I lose sleep over at night." That's Idaho dairyman isn't alone. Others share his concern. Sharon Hughes is the executive vice president of the National Council of Agricultural Employers. She says the Ag Jobs legislation can solve part of the immigration problem without granting amnesty to illegal immigrants. HIGHES "It requires the workers to come forward, prove that they have work experience in agriculture and have to pay a fine, go through background checks. Then they have to commit to a future work requirement for three to five years essentially a three year probation, sort of like doing community service for three to five years before they can stand in line for the green card." Hughes says those in Congress who want to kill the Ag Jobs bill play the amnesty card which she insists is not what the legislation is all about. Given that this is an election year Hughes doesn't expect to see any meaningful legislation going from Congress to the President. HUGHES "We might be able to get something done just for agriculture but it will be a very difficult prospect." Her comments were made at the just completed Idaho Ag Summit. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott