Farmworkers Historical

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Like all human beings, Idaho’s immigrants deserve respect for their dignity and human rights, regardless of their immigration status. This has yet to become a reality. Though immigrants bring prosperity to Idaho, they are often denied the opportunity to share in that prosperity.

 

Immigration is stimulated by economic forces and policies that immigrants do not control – and from which they may not even benefit. Historically immigrants were sought after and recruited by employers, and Idaho businesses still rely on immigrant workers – as do the customers and clients of these businesses. And the economy of the United States as a whole increasingly depends on immigrants. Yet the immigration system established by the U.S. federal government is out of touch with this reality.

 

U.S. immigration policy denies the means to acquiring official status and citizenship to millions of immigrants who are leading lives much like those of their native-born neighbors – working, raising families, participating in community activities, paying taxes. Without official status, many immigrants have no real security for the future. They will never be able to access the benefits to which they have contributed, and they remain vulnerable to violations of the most basic of rights. This system creates inequalities that harm all who live in Idaho, whether immigrants or Idaho-born.

 

Courtesy of Idaho State Historical Society.

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