Dairies, Feedlots Seek Exemption To Hire Illegal Immigrants

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 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.
A coalition of business interests is preparing to tackle the
issue in Topeka. Details are expected to emerge this week about a
bill establishing the outline of a state-managed worker program.