Congressman Panetta introduces legislation for farmworker citizenship

Selse Reyes’ story is shared by many farm workers across the Central Coast. “I want to go see my mother because my father passed away a while back. I couldn’t go because I’m undocumented,” said Reyes.

A new path to citizenship could put an end to Reyes’ struggle. Congressman Jimmy Panetta, and other California representatives, introduced legislation, Thursday, that would allow farm workers to apply for a “Blue Card.”

The “Blue Card” would apply to those who have worked in agriculture for at least 100 days. The status would permit undocumented farm workers to stay in the United States while obtaining legal citizenship.

“Having a visa program in which men and women can work in agriculture and obtain that earned pathway to citizenship. That is a responsibility, not just on my part, but on every U.S. representative’s part,” said Congressman Panetta.

The group United Farm Workers said they have seen more Central Coast families move in fear of being deported, over the past two years. This poses a threat to the area’s agriculture industry. “This change would bring peace to people, stability to the community and the economy,” said United Farm Workers Vice President, Lauro Barajas.

Agriculture is a $47 billion industry in the state of California, and continues to thrive because of Central Coast farm workers.

“It would be better if everyone were able to succeed. We come to this country to better ourselves,” said Central Coast farm worker, Uliveria Maldonado.

Farm workers said the “Blue Card” would provide a sense of security that many said they have been looking for.

“If they legalize us we would benefit because we would no longer be afraid,” said Central Coast farm worker, Uliveria Maldonado.