spot_imgspot_img

Pritzker suggests employing recently arrived undocumented migrants on farms

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker suggests allowing the influx of migrants who have arrived in Illinois to be workers on farms throughout the state. The notion has drawn questions.

Around 12,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago and other parts of the state over the past year. At a stop in Decatur to the Farm Progress Show Tuesday for an unrelated news event, Pritzker was asked about utilizing such workers on farms.

“What we have said is, we think they ought to have the ability to get jobs, and we have jobs available in Illinois,” Pritzker said. “In the ag [agricultural] community, we have jobs available.”

Pritzker went on to say that he believed the workers could benefit Illinois farms.

“I think it is a vitally important step forward,” Pritzker said. “Could it be great for the ag community? Of course, it could be, and you’ve seen that there is more and more work that needs to be done.”

The state currently offers the H-2A program that allows permitted immigrants to work on farms after having gone through background checks and other vetting practices.

State Rep. Charlie Meier, R-Okawville, told The Center Square that with Pritzker’s plan, there is no way to police who would be coming to work on their properties.

“There is nothing set up for this to work,” Meier said. “The programs that we have that we use are vetted. We know who is coming, and we have some background on them.”

Meier, who runs a farm of his own, said he could use the extra help but does not support the idea of using undocumented workers.

“The ones that we have here working, a lot of farms use, and we need workers,” Meier said. “It seems like you should have to come legally into this country to do that. That’s my opinion on that.”

Pritzker will be in Chicago Wednesday with members of Congress and business groups promoting the idea of allowing undocumented migrants work allowance. Tuesday, he said he doesn’t want to “necessarily” encourage illegal immigration.

“Once people have spent several months here waiting for what is a require hearing that they’re just waiting, these hearings have been delayed because so many migrants have come to the United States and so we ought to let people work after a certain amount of time,” Pritzker said.

So far, city and state taxpayers have set aside $94 million for migrant housing. The state budget has $550 million in taxpayer subsidies for the health care of migrants over the age of 65. Pritzker also recently signed legislation that allows certain migrants to become police officers.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_imgspot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Wisconsin directs $115M to libraries, community centers for broadband access

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin is directing $115 million...

More than 3,300 Tennesseans have applied for federal disaster relief

(The Center Square) – More than 3,300 Tennesseans have...

Election 2024: Four races pivotal to Republican power in House

(The Center Square) – Four races are expected to...

Ohio troops mobilized to help as another hurricane nears Florida

(The Center Square) – With troops, equipment and other...

Op-Ed: Subsidizing the rich in Cape Cod’s broadband push

One of the biggest government broadband consultants is pushing...

Report: Louisiana a ‘sinkhole state’ for taxpayers

(The Center Square) — A review of Louisiana's financial...

Senate Republicans join together to condemn Hamas

(The Center Square) – United States Senate Republican colleagues...

More like this
Related

Wisconsin directs $115M to libraries, community centers for broadband access

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin is directing $115 million...

Spokane mayor reflects on challenges, misperceptions during first year in office

(The Center Square) – Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown is...

More than 3,300 Tennesseans have applied for federal disaster relief

(The Center Square) – More than 3,300 Tennesseans have...

Election 2024: Four races pivotal to Republican power in House

(The Center Square) – Four races are expected to...