11/28/07 IDA says immigration is a top priority

The Idaho Dairymen's Association says stepped up efforts in the Magic Valley in recent weeks to identify and deport immigrant labor has raised concerns about the rights of employees and the people who hire them. That's why they they've hired attorney Raul Labrador and set up a meeting Friday in Twin Falls. IDA's Bob Naerabout says Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions go beyond the economic impact to the dairy and agricultural interests. NAERABOUT "Families being broken up. Long term families who own homes here having the breadwinner being picked up and deported. That the fear that some of these people now live under not knowing if that knock on the door is somebody who is going to take away dad or somebody is going to take away mom." The IDA board has authorized 350 thousand dollars for the formation of a business coalition for responsible immigration reform. NAERABOUT "And you do that by getting facts out. You don't do that by being quiet. You do that by having meetings like we're having this week inviting more than just our industry, we've broadened that to be broader than the dairy industry to start talking about how we go forward and what we do." Friday's meeting is from 2 to 5 PM at the Canyon Springs Hotel in Twin Falls. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott