Conceding there is a varied range of opinions on the issue of immigration reform, both Supervisors acknowledge that the current system is broken and that federal action on the issue is long overdue.
Supervisor Carbajal expressed, “I am pleased to have cosponsored this item with Supervisor Adam which provides a consensus framework for immigration reform that we can now use to advocate to our federal representatives as they consider legislative action on this issue of great importance to our county and nation as a whole.”
Supervisor Adam remarked that “This issue is above our pay-grade, my concerns are that borders are secured and we avoid having unfunded mandates passed along to our county. It is my hope that this issue is finally dealt with at the national-level”
Victor Tognazzini, representing the Farm Bureau, spoke to the massive labor shortages in the agricultural sector. Maricela Morales with CAUSE and a range of speakers also spoke about the impact of the broken immigration system on families in Santa Barbara County and the need for reform.
After deliberating on the item, the Board voted 4-0-1 (with Supervisor Lavagnino abstaining) to affirm the framework, to adopt the language in the NACo resolution locally and to communicate such action to federal decision makers. Supervisor Carbajal made the motion, which was seconded by Supervisor Adam.