Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Representative Howard Berman (D-CA), and Representative Adam Putnam (R-FL) have introduced the AgJOBS bill for another go around. The legislation will grant amnesty by giving “blue cards” to illegal immigrants who can prove that they have worked in American agriculture for 150 work days over the past two years.
 
The AgJOBS bill would allow “blue-card” holders to travel in and out of the U.S., the option to work in other non-agricultural jobs, and require all participants to become citizens in five years. Not everybody working in the United States as an immigrant wishes to become an American citizen, forcing this on people would deter many from using this legal program.
 
In addition, there is no certifiable way to check the validity of people claiming they have worked 150 days in the agricultural sector. This opens the door for any illegal immigrant to apply for and receive legal status in the U.S. 
 
The “blue card” is the wrong way to go about fixing illegal immigration. Instead, Senator Feinstein should seek to streamline the H-2A visa for agricultural workers. This program does not have a visa cap but unfortunately is not flexible or responsive enough to deal with the quick turnaround and high volume worker the agricultural sector depends on.