Senator Anna M. Caballero Thanks Governor Newsom for Signing Legislation to Negotiate Residency for Agricultural Workers in California
For Immediate Release
Contact: Elisa.Rivera@sen.ca.gov (559) 264-3070
Senator Anna M. Caballero Thanks Governor Newsom for Signing Legislation to Negotiate Residency for Agricultural Workers in California
Sacramento- Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Merced) released the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s signature of her bill, Senate Bill 831.
“I am thrilled to announce that Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 831, legislation that I authored to bring undocumented agricultural workers out from the shadows. SB831 authorizes the Governor to work with the federal government to establish a program to allow undocumented agricultural workers in California to work legally in the state.
Undocumented workers are a primary workforce in rural communities and agriculture. They generate billions of dollars for our economy and produce hundreds of commodities for domestic and international consumption, yet risk deportation by the Federal Government for not having a work permit or “legal” resident status. Undocumented workers were designated as essential workers during the pandemic and suffered the highest incidences of COVID infection. They are exposed to multiple forms of exploitation, unsafe or unsanitary workplace conditions and are more reluctant to report that their rights have been violated because they fear job loss and family separation by deportation. SB 831 is a long overdue opportunity to show our gratitude to our essential workers and help stabilize communities and families.
I want to thank Governor Gavin Newsom for signing this important legislation, and the UFW, Lideres Campesinas and the many organizations that were instrumental to the passage of this historic bill. This is a victory for rural communities and families! ” -Senator Anna Caballero, Senate District 14
For interviews or inquiries, please contact Elisa Rivera at: (559) 264-3070
Senator Anna M. Caballero represents the 14th Senate District, composed of majority portions of Merced, Fresno and Madera Counties.
* Senator Anna M. Caballero serves as the Interim Representative for the Salinas Valley and San Benito County until 2024 when a newly elected Senator will assume the district
