Immigration Challenges in Leelanau: Who Will Harvest Our Produce?
From staff reports
On Wednesday, April 5, at noon at the Leelanau County Government Center the Farm Labor Task Force of the League of Women Voters Leelanau County will highlight the impact current immigration policy has on area agricultural employers and their workforce. The forum is titled “Immigration Challenges in Leelanau: Who Will Harvest Our Produce?”
The current administration’s goal of deportation and the elimination of any potential for legal work and/or residency status for non-citizens have our agricultural employers and workers worried. Migrant and seasonal farm workers are the core of our Leelanau County agricultural workforce. Area employers are concerned that they may not have a viable workforce. Workers and their families fear arrest, detention, deportation and the breakup of families. Law enforcement faces a balance of maintaining trust and confidence with all residents against calls for assistance with enforcement of federal law.
Hear from the farmers, migrant worker advocates, immigration experts and law enforcement on this timely issue that ultimately impacts all of us. Panelists include Jim Bardenhagen, farmer/employer, Joe Hubbell, County Prosecutor, Gladys Munoz, Director of Justice and Peace Advocacy Center and Susan Reed, Director of Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. Other panelists may be added.
Many bring a lunch. LWVLC business meeting to follow. To be held on the lower level of the Leelanau County Government Center.
For more information call 231-271-0072 or 231-271-6273, visit LWVLeelanau.org or follow LWVLC on Facebook at League of Women Voters Leelanau County.
