Immigration resources for Voice of Milk members.
The increased government attention on immigration is creating a sense of insecurity and unknowns among the dairy community. Knowing that dairy farms often depend on employees from other countries, and that those employees may be at varying stages in their documentation process, we have pulled together resources which may be beneficial to you and your workers. We are providing these resources as guidelines for you but suggest if you have specific concerns in this area to reach out to an attorney that specializes in immigration.
Media Calls
If you are contacted by the media to give an interview regarding immigration, we strongly suggest that you decline the interview, to not draw any unintended attention to you or your farm. If you are approached by media and would like assistance in responding, please reach out to Laura Hensley below.
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Voice of Milk member webinar hosted by Ruder Ware
We hosted a special webinar on labor and immigration issues on February 7. Ruder Ware attorney Samuel J. S. Moheban shared resources and information to equip dairy farmers with the tools to stay current on immigration policies and how they may impact their farms and employees.
*This presentation provides information of a general nature regarding legislative or other legal developments, and is based on the state of the law at the time of the original publication of this article. None of the information contained herein is intended as legal advice or opinion relative to specific matters, facts, situations, or issues, and additional facts and information or future developments may affect the subjects addressed. You should not act upon the information in this presentation without discussing your specific situation with legal counsel.
Links to Immigration Resources:
Preparing for Increased Immigration Enforcement Activities - Michael Best
As expected, President Donald Trump’s first few days in office included multiple executive actions geared towards increased immigration enforcement. Employers in all industries, both private and public sectors, should prepare for a potential increase in worksite investigations and arrests. To ensure proper handling of government enforcement as well as employee and client privacy protections, we recommend all organizations have a plan for worksite visits from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other government agencies.
Edge Policy Priorities
Edge has worked on the policy front for years for the adoption of sensible legislation for programs that can be used in year-round activities like dairy farming, and we continue our efforts today. We realize that the best solution for our farms is a multi-year renewable agricultural worker visa that includes dairy. We believe it is essential that this visa provides a path to legal status for existing employees and a practical process to recruit new foreign-born workers. We will continue to work toward these measures on behalf of our dairy farmer members.
Immigration Preparedness Toolkit
This free toolkit offers in-depth, yet easily accessible information that outlines the basics about a variety of topics including: your rights during ICE confrontations, the different types of immigration options available, ideas for building your consultation roadmap, and tips on covering your bases while waiting for relief.
Red Identification Cards
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home.
Printable Resources:
Printable documents that are useful resources for both employees and employers and can be displayed in common areas.