Press Release: Ohio’s 8th Congressional District Agriculture Leaders Discuss Immigration Reform with Congressman John Boehner

PIQUA, OH – A group of farmers met with Speaker John Boehner, (OH-08) earlier today during the annual 8th Congressional District Farm Forum, hosted by Boehner, to discuss the issues they are facing. During the event, held at Edison Community College in Miami County, eight members of the agriculture community received an update about efforts in the U.S. House of Representatives and shared their personal stories.

“Immigration reform is a high priority for Ohio farmers, and Speaker Boehner clearly is listening to our concerns. Ohio Farm Bureau members appreciate the Speaker’s willingness to visit with farmers from his home district to hear about the shortcomings of the current system, which is hurting farmers and consumers,” said Jeff Wuebker, a hog farmer and Ohio Farm Bureau Board Member representing Darke, Miami, Clark and Champaign counties.

Boehner’s 8th Congressional District has more than 5,400 farms covering almost 1 million acres.

“The Speaker was very attentive and asked some excellent questions,” said Preble County farmer and Vice President of Ohio Agri-Women, Rachael Vonderhaar. “I believe he understands that food production and the economy at-large are going to suffer if we don’t take some positive steps to improve our country’s immigration policies. I think it’s personal for him because agriculture is so important here, especially to his constituents in this part of the Buckeye State.”

The meeting was co-organized by the Partnership for a New American Economy and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

At the end of January, House Republican leadership released standards for immigration reform, which included: border security and enforcements, entry-exit visa tracking, employer verification & workplace enforcement, reforms to the legal immigration system, the legal status of children brought to the U.S. by their parents.