Community Coalition urges respect for migrant farmworkers

Editor:

This letter is submitted on behalf of the Community Coalition for Justice (CCJ). The CCJ is an organization based in Orleans County that regularly sponsors programs that are open to the community that focus on diversity and other relevant social justice issues.

In this vein, the CCJ wishes to remind our community that the “lion’s share” of our farmworkers (those who harvest our crops) are migrants and that they are the backbone of America’s food system.

Despite this contribution, many of our farmworkers continue to face housing and food insecurity, fear of deportation without due process, and lack of healthcare.  We need to support programs that address these concerns.

Farmworkers, who are not provided with employer housing, are often forced to crowd together in small apartments and “rooming houses.” We must ensure that these farmworkers are able to find safe and affordable housing.

Additionally, the children of our farmworkers are often faced with educational disruptions and barriers. These children should have access to a quality public education, irrespective of their native language, national origin or immigration status.

We should support programs to assist (via land trusts, training programs, etc.) farmworkers who wish to become farm managers or farm owners themselves. The farmworkers of today could be part of a new generation of farmers that reflects the diversity of our country.

It is time that we treat the people who help feed us with dignity and respect. It is time that the workers in our food system share in the prosperity that they help build. Our farmworkers deserve due process, and, if they meet the criteria (per the U.S. immigration laws), deserve a pathway to citizenship.

In calling on all people to remember each person’s human dignity, Bishop Daniel E. Garcia of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops added “May we recognize the rich gifts that neighbors from diverse cultures bring to our communities.”

In closing, we will add there are many other realms in the U.S. that employ migrant workers i.e. construction, manufacturing, health care, and hospitality.  The people in these industries also need to be treated with the same consideration.

The CCJ is sponsoring an event entitled “What Does A Welcoming Farm Community Look Like?” on Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hoag Library. Please join us as we explore ways to help this important part of our community.

Sincerely,

Bob Golden, Chairman

Community Coalition for Justice