California Ag TODAY: Immigration Reform Update

With the urgent need for the House to act on immigration reform, Western Growers Association President and CEO, Tom Nassif returned to Washington this week for several meetings in the House and Senate, urging action.

On Wednesday this week, he met with the House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor and emphasized the need for the House to act, particularly as it relates to agriculture. He also had the opportunity to sit down with Congressman Paul Ryan, who has been an active participant in bi-partisan immigration talks underway in the House. With both these meetings, Nassif underscored that the House doing nothing is not an option, and agriculture is supportive of the House working its will but that must result in legislation passing the House.

Nassif along with other conservative leaders from the Business and Faith communities also met with the Senate Gang of 8 (Senators Schumer, Durbin, Menendez, Bennet, McCain, Graham, Rubio, and Flake) to discuss outreach and strategy to move legislation with the House.

Nassif also met with California Rep. Jim Costa and in addition to discussing Democrat support for however the House proceeds on immigration, also discussed the CA water crisis and challenges growers face with Affordable Care Act implementation.