TOPEKA, Kansas (KSN) - The work never stops on farms and feedlots, but finding workers to handle the workload is a challenge.“It’s not a very glamorous job for the most part, it's hard labor, you've got lots of weather involved with it,” said Taylor Stabel, Assistant Manager of the Kearny County Feedyard.
It’s a real problem in the farming community, and one that the state's agriculture secretary hopes to address.
Secretary Dale Rodman has a plan that would allow illegal immigrants to be legally hired in Kansas.
"This is going to be an opportunity to be able to get some workers into some of the dairies and some of the feedlots,” said KSN Agriculture Analyst, John Jenkinson.
The program would be paid for by fees from the employees and employers. Those hired would be experienced and committed workers with no criminal background.
The Sunflower Community Action League is in support of the plan. Representatives say the plan is a well overdue solution.
“If there is a need and there is workers, let’s connect the work and let's provide a viable legal source for these two to connect,” said Emira Palacios.
Opponents argue there are other ways to fill these jobs.
"Where does allowing illegal immigrants to remain in the country and putting them in a preferred status to work come in as being constitutional?" questioned Craig Gabel, with Kansans for Liberty.
Tea Party activisits call the plan a disappoint and question Governor Brownback's administration on whether other plans are being considered.
“We need Kansas values and Kansas policies here, and that is getting everybody that belongs here to work and not people that don't belong here,” Gabel added.
Secretary Rodman is seeking the waiver from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Officials with the deparment haven't made a decision, but they are open to the idea.
Kansas legislators are expected to introduce a bill this week that would outline that program.
