Toolkit for Activists: Passing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act

OVERVIEW

The Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 5038) was initially introduced in 2019 by a bipartisan group of legislators. The bill would provide a pathway to citizenship for farm workers and their families, improve existing temporary worker programs, and implement electronic employment verification in the agricultural sector. The bill is the product of careful negotiation across the political aisle and a compromise that balances the interests of farm workers, their employers, and the broader American public to ensure that agriculture continues to be a vital bedrock of the American economy.

The House initially passed the act back in 2019, but was left awaiting Senate approval. On March 3, 2021, Democratic Representative Zoe Lofgren and Republic Representative Dan Newhouse reintroduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act once again.

Farm workers, the majority of whom are undocumented immigrants, put food on America’s table, grow our economy and turbo-charge our agricultural exports. Even during a pandemic while most people have worked from home, farm workers have continued to work in the fields.

We have developed this toolkit to help activists push Congress to establish a path to citizenship for farm workers by passing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act:

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FARM WORKFORCE MODERNIZATION ACT

CALL YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

For this bill is to pass, members of Congress must hear from their constituents. You can reach your representative and senators by phone by calling the Capitol switchboard:

Call (202) 224-3121

“Hello, my name is [your name] and I am your constituent from [City, State]. I am calling to ask [member of Congress] to support the Farm Workforce Modernization Act which would put farm workers and their immediate families on a pathway to citizenship. Farm workers should be able to work without the fear of detention or deportation, and I strongly urge [member of Congress] to use their influence to move this legislation into law.”

SIGN THE UNITED FARM WORKERS PETITION

Another way to show support is by signing the UFW petition. With just a couple of clicks, you can add your name to demand members of Congress support the reintroduced Farm Workforce Modernization Act.

<<Tell Congress to Pass the Farm Workforce Modernization Act>>

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