More than two weeks after signing a bill on farmworker residency, Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has issued the administration’s first comments on the legislation. Senate Bill 831 lays the groundwork for Newsom to broker a deal with the Biden administration on a permanent residency pilot program.
In a statement to Agri-Pulse, a spokesperson noted that “undocumented farmworkers contribute heavily to our economy and communities across the state,” echoing comments from the bill’s proponents. According to the office, “decades of congressional inaction have left us with an outdated immigration system that restricts economic growth.” The administration expects SB 831 will provide “an opportunity to alleviate these challenges while growing our economy, lifting up families and protecting workers.”
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Keep in mind, the bill only authorizes Newsom to enter an agreement. The federal government has the ultimate authority over such policies.
