TOPEKA — Facing pressure from large dairies and feedlots desperate for workers, Kansas Agriculture Secretary Dale Rodman is seeking a federal waiver that would allow companies to hire illegal immigrants.
Rodman has met several times with officials at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security about launching a pilot program that would place employers and illegal immigrants in a special state-organized network. The Topeka Capital-Journal reported that the goal is to create a legal, straightforward manner of organizing existing immigrant labor.
So far, Homeland Security has neither approved nor closed the door on the idea.
“I need a waiver,” Rodman said. “It would be good for Kansas agriculture.”
Now, a coalition of business interests is preparing to push the idea in Topeka. Details are expected to emerge this week about a bill establishing the outline of a state-managed worker program. Operating in cooperation with the federal government, it would link sponsor companies with illegal immigrants who have been in Kansas a minimum of five years and have no criminal background. One potential candidate would be a person who entered Kansas on a visa that expired years ago.
The employees and employers would pay fees that would support the program, ensuring the state incurred no oversight cost.
Mike Beam, senior vice president of the Kansas Livestock Association, said the objective was to secure a reliable, regulated labor pool to the state’s businesses. Despite the recession, there are counties in rural Kansas with unemployment rates half the state average.
“This will be very limited,” Beam said. “It would be an agreement between the state of Kansas and Homeland Security.”
Other groups backing the idea include the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and local chamber affiliates, the Kansas Farm Bureau and building industry organizations. This is the same coalition that contributed in the 2011 session to blocking a version of the Arizona immigration measure compelling police officers to detain individuals they think might be undocumented.
Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who helped craft the Arizona law, has vowed to work in the 2012 session to obtain passage of a Kansas law requiring employers to deploy the federal E-Verify system to establish the credentials of new hires.
“If there were fewer jobs illegal aliens could obtain unlawfully and get away with it, fewer illegal aliens would come to Kansas,” he said.
Sen. Mark Taddiken, a Clifton Republican and chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said the state’s labor force needed to be solid to allow agricultural production to expand.
“They’re having trouble finding people,” Taddiken said. “The agricultural sector is looking for reliability.”
Rodman, the state’s agriculture secretary, said he would leave promotion of state legislation to others and would focus on making his case to Homeland Security.
“I told them to let me do something out in western Kansas,” said Rodman, who has traveled as secretary to the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico in an attempt to recruit people interested in agricultural careers in Kansas.
That shows promise, but the payoff would be slow. “Let me fix the system a little bit,” he said.
bluebonnet (anonymous) says...
You've got to be kidding me.
January 30, 2012 at 2:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
owenrhys (anonymous) says...
If these employers are truly "desperate", they might try something innovative --- like paying a living wage.
It's hard to shed a tear for the plantation owners when their slaves are gone.
PAY A FAIR WAGE !!!
January 30, 2012 at 2:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BaseballFan (anonymous) says...
I know alot of people looking for work. I know alot of people looking for farm work. Most would work for anything. A decent wage would be a plus!
I say Hell no for this waiver. "large dairies and feedlots are desperate", my rear-end. They are desperate for cheap labor, no benefits, etc.
Put Kansans to work!
January 30, 2012 at 3:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Everyone wants to know, why is the wage paid in the U.S. so low ?
Now you have the answer-- Cheap Illegal Immigrant Labor is what is driving the average wage in the U.S. to new " Lows " and is a large part of the unemployment numbers either staying at 8.5% to 10% .
And is also a large part of why all government entitlement programs are paying out enormous amounts of " Legal " taxpayer dollars . And why public education funding is at all time lows .
JMO
January 30, 2012 at 4:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
This is total BS, I don't care if I pay a little more at the store so long I know our citizens are doing the work, Brownback claims to tough on immigration, he better get this guy in line. Maybe people should just renounce their citizenship so they can have jobs......
January 30, 2012 at 5:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chalkrocks (anonymous) says...
And just how many people are on unemployment benefits because there isn't work to be had? Get them off the handouts and have them go work on the farms if necessary.
January 30, 2012 at 5:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
That idiot needs to go!
January 30, 2012 at 5:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
railroadhorn (anonymous) says...
Citizens won't do this work. That's the problem.
January 30, 2012 at 7:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
No the problem is that the employers of illegals are starting to get cracked down on, hence they are going to have to adapt their business model to what it SHOULD HAVE been.
January 30, 2012 at 8:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jamesbordonaro (James Bordonaro) says...
Does it seem unusual to anybody else that the Ag Secretary went to Puerto Rico to "recruit" workers?
There are two explanations that leap to mind: first, and most likely, that Rodman took a junket to the Caribbean on KS taxpayers money;
or, that he equates the job skills of Puerto Ricans with those skills needed to operate industrial feedlots. Given that Puerto Rico isn't considered a territory known for beef production, it leads a person to wonder if the only skill Rodman is looking for is the ability to speak Spanish because the slaughter industry is already dominated by immigrants (most second generation citizens) from Mexico and Central America.
Is this really the accountability Tea Party patriots demanded in 2010? Seems to me more like the Republican Party has returned to its former roots in supporting conglomerates (aided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce) at the expense of the working poor?
January 30, 2012 at 10:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EmporiaRocks (anonymous) says...
Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, Puerto Ricans are legal citizens of the U.S. by birth. You don't even need a passport to go to Puerto Rico.
January 31, 2012 at 8:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tourguide (anonymous) says...
If they are illegal then send them back ! You are breaking the law by hiring them. then arrest the CEO of the Corp that did hired some of them. Cut off ADC, Foodstamps, Medical treatment and all US Gov' assistance. Let the illegals see what the unemployed LEGAL Citizens are putting up with. Maybe they won't think the grass is always greener in the US.. There is a right way to become a citizen, so let them abide by the law. And I don't care what color they are.If you think they have it bad in their country go to Topeka and visit a homeless shelter, or go down by the Ks.river and take a lunch to a homeless person. I have....
January 31, 2012 at 9:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Of course these dairies and feedlots have been putting pressure on the Ag Department to hire illegal immigrants. The cheapskates don't want to pay a living wage. Tough! There are lots of unemployed people in Kansas; give them a job BUT pay them a proper wage.
Yeah, yeah, we'll have to pay more for milk and meat, but frankly, I'd rather see that than for people to be taken advantage of just because of their illegal status. This entire idea reeks. What's next? What other industry will want the same thing?
Brownback needs to fire this guy. It won't be long before the rest of the country gets wind of this and once again, Kansas will be the laughing stock of the nation.
January 31, 2012 at 9:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
It seems to me that market forces should drive this. If the feed lot owners are desperate it means that it's time to increase wages to get the workers they need. That's pure Adam Smith and if the Republican Party doesn't understand that it must mean they'ave abandoned market economics.
January 31, 2012 at 10:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
I don't see any reason why anyone needing government assistance who is not disabled to do community service as a condition for receiving benefits. They can earn their assistance by cleaning the city, highways or doing the public landscaping.
Actually, there are a great number of ways to put them into a working position and earn some assistance.
Perhaps others see this as wrong, I don't know, but I think it would give them at least some dignity knowing they worked for what they got. As a great plus we could have a clean and well kept city.
Perhaps, the farmers could work out something with the government so that those receiving welfare would do the farm work. If they don't like it then that would be all the more reason to get out of welfare and into a job. Win, win?
JMO
January 31, 2012 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Glitterbird (anonymous) says...
Making it legal to hire an illegal? WT...
January 31, 2012 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Well is there any wonder why we the people are upset , soon politicians and burrarats wont be able to be seen in daylight.
January 31, 2012 at 1:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I'd like to know what Senator Moran has to say about this. I e-mailed him the story. I hope he gets back to me soon. I'll share his response when he does.
February 1, 2012 at 7:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I found this posted on the forum site by methusla. I think it is a perfect fit right here. Thanks again methusla.
I hope you all take a moment to view this story from Brian Williams and to note a few things that these demanding Kansas dairy farmers and feedlot owners don't know -- that there is a human side to employment.
This made me feel good to see this. I wish there was a Kansas guy like this.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/...
February 1, 2012 at 7:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
I love that story! Thanks methusla! It was so moving to see them bringing hope and a future back home.
I am in the market for a new dining table, I am going to see about getting one of theirs. I hope I can, I would love to support actions like theirs!
February 1, 2012 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Here is the problem I have with the Ag Sec's " Illegal Immigrant " request.
The U.S. has in place a law/laws that pertain to how to immigrate to the U.S. " Legally " and to gain " Legal " status as a U.S. citizen, with all the responsibility that comes with being a U.S. citizen. However it would seem that " All " of the " Illegal Immigrants " do not care about following the laws of the country, but, which they ( illegal immigrants ) very much want/wish to take advantage of the " public entitlements ", such as " Welfare, education, medical care and even recieve S.S. payments as well in a lot of cases Medicare, via dubious means or flaut out counterfiet papers/FRAUD !
And now even our Kansas AGSEC , a appointed govt. offical, as well as our " Nations President wants/wishes to give the law breaking " Illegal Immigrants " an even further " break " than what they already have.
Are laws of the land, created, passed and implemented just to be circumvented or broken ?
If such is the case, then why not just do away with " Immigration " laws altogether ?
February 1, 2012 at 12:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/poli...
February 1, 2012 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CSD (anonymous) says...
Who would have ever thought it would be necesssary to clarify to the governor and his appointees that, when people call for more jobs in Kansas, what they're referring to is more jobs FOR KANSANS in Kansas?
What, for example, happens to the families of these illegal immigrant workers? If the illegal worker has a child while employed here, the child would be a U.S. citizen. If the illegal worker loses or leaves his or her employment, either as a result of the pregnancy or otherwise, it appears unlikely that the U.S. would deport the mother, father or family of a dependent minor who is a U.S. citizen. Would these individuals then become beneficiaries of the state as was the case with President Obama's relatives, and look to already stretched tax dollars for their support? And if they didn't, would some to turn to crime to support themselves?
Would the fear of deportation mean the company could employ the illegal worker under conditions and at pay levels that would essentially constitute servitude?
And, if conditions and pay levels are acceptable, why would the company need to recruit illegals in the first place?
And, most importantly, why hasn't it occurred to government leaders here in Kansas to ask themselves these questions?
I am overwhelmingly weary of government bailouts, both legal and financial, designed to assist businessmen who are either too lazy, too ignorant or too inept to solve routine business problems, whether it's workforce recruitment or the recovery of bad debts. Doing so enables deficient business leaders and perpetuates flawed business models -- and then only temporarily.
February 1, 2012 at 3:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
I think the next big box store could be an "American Made" store, I would pay the extra costs if I knew it was supporting jobs here at home. With the advent of technology it really is just a matter of time before everything is electronic and immigration measures will not be as costly. The businesses that adapt now will be the winners.
February 1, 2012 at 8:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Great idea, goodoleboy. Just think if such an "American Made" big box store could take off like IKEA, only no offerings of foreign made goods, only American.
giggles, I hope you can buy your dining room table from those folks in South Carolina. Am glad you enjoyed that video. It made me feel good to hear that man's grandfather quoted as saying, "It's not the furniture that matters, it's the people who make the furniture." We need to get back to that kind of thinking. And to think, after searching for financing all over the east coast, he found it at his home town bank. So neat.
Let us know if you are able to obtain your dining room table from them. I'm guessing that you can.
February 2, 2012 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
And, you know the other thing about the gentleman, reopening his old furniture factory, creating jobs for his home town and others, is the fact that he openly admitted that, as a " go between " for China and other U.S. companies, for the purpose of " exporting " manufacturing and jobs to china, he himself admitted that the amount of money in doing so, was " unbelievable as to how much was/could be made " in, basically, selling out his own country and its people .
And yet it would seem that he took the " Chinese/dollars " that he made and reached a decision to use the money made and " re-invest " it back into his hometown, its people and America .
What bravery on his part, that must have taken, to think about his fellow American countrymen and to do something about their " Plight " .
I admire this gentleman for doing " THE RIGHT THING " . it's just too bad others are not so inclined !
JMO
February 2, 2012 at 12:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
Thanks create. I have already contacted a store in Wichita who said that they soon will have pieces from their line. He also said that with the companies new equipment that custom and special orders will be much easier and faster for them to process.
I do hope it will be something I can afford, but am willing to spend a little extra to get the quality and pride of a U.S. made product.
February 2, 2012 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
One more appalling thing from the administration of an appalling governor.
February 2, 2012 at 8:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
The jobs are out there. There are many unemployed Americans out there. But we can't expect them to do a job that doesn't involve an office and computor can we?
February 2, 2012 at 9:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
You have a good point there, Steve. For years and years, kids have been told that they should go into computer technology where the dream jobs are. We read about the people in Silicone Valley who became instant millionaires.
While there has been a need for techs, at the same time, there have been many others for whom technology was not suitable. We still need factory workers and blue collar people in our country. The country does not run by computer alone.
My plumber gets $65 an hour, but when I need him, I sure don't mind paying him. If those dairies and feedlots would pay a decent wage, I'm sure there are many Americans who would apply.
February 3, 2012 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Create, Agreed, but I am not sure the wages in those jobs is so bad. I think young people now days just don't want to waller around in cow $hit or get dirty.
February 3, 2012 at 11:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
I have a relative that works at a large feedlot in Western Ks. He works 12-14hrs a day, 6-7 days a week for $12hr without overtime pay. The benefit package is virtually non-existent. It is an ag based operation, they are not required to pay OT rates so of course they require their help to put in extra hours to reduce the number of staff. Vacation requests are often turned down due to staff shortages and the need to keep the cattle alive and gaining weight. During winter storms, he is often there for days, tending the cattle, sleeping on site to be sure he can make it to work and not lose his job. Jobs are scarce out that far West, he told me he would work elsewhere if there were other options.
I am not justifying the Ag Sec's. request by any means, but how many unemployed city workers do you know that would stay committed to a job like I described above?
February 3, 2012 at 11:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Even though we don't want to admit it the work ethic along with an increased sense of entitlement of the majority of our countries citizens have dramatically changed. And not for the better.
February 3, 2012 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
silicone valley.... now that is interesting, thinkn maybe it was sposedta be "silicon valley", but lots of millions have been made with silicone too.
February 3, 2012 at 8:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Let me pull out my grade book and give you an "A" for being so observant, marko. Or maybe an "O" for observant.
February 3, 2012 at 9:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
O is good for me
February 5, 2012 at 8:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
custom (anonymous) says...
One word solves this whole thing. ILLEGAL!
February 6, 2012 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )