Urge Your Senators to Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform

The House of Representatives has passed “The Border Protection, Antiterrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005” (H.R. 4437), introduced by Representative James Sensenbrenner (R-WI). This legislation focuses on an “enforcement first” approach to the immigration and foreign worker issue by tightening our borders and implementing strict enforcement policies against undocumented foreign workers and American employers responsible for hiring them.

“The American Horse Council supports border security, but we are concerned the ‘enforcement first’ approach adopted by the House may overwhelm the attempt at needed, broader immigration reform,” said Jay Hickey, President of the American Horse Council. “If this bill became law, it would place heavy fines and penalties on employers who do not comply, but would not deal with the difficult compliance issues now in effect.”

Senators need to hear that the horse industry, and American agriculture at large, supports comprehensive immigration reform that ensures U.S. employers have access to a legal and stable workforce. The current H-2A and H-2B foreign worker programs do not adequately address the needs of the horse industry or other American businesses that depend on foreign workers for jobs that are not filled by American workers. Without provisions in place that address these needs, the horse industry could face a major labor shortage that will have severe affects on the industry and the U.S. economy.

The Senate is expected to take up this bill in the upcoming weeks. The AHC is trying to generate as many contacts as possible. It is crucial that Senators hear from the horse industry within this time period.

Personalized letters and phone calls are effective ways to have your voice heard by your Senators and influence this important debate. The AHC has posted on our website (www.horsecouncil.org) a sample letter that we encourage you to personalize and fax to your Senator’s Washington, D.C. office. If you need contact information for your Senators, please visit www.senate.gov or call the AHC.

Your input does make a difference and the outcome of this issue will have a significant impact on the horse industry. Please act now. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the American Horse Council at (202) 296-4031.