The migrant workers that both Sourdough and Gypsyman mentioned as being legal in all likelihood probably are/were. These are nonimmigrant temporary workers, in the H2A classification. This classification is designed for seasonal agricultural workers, and is nothing new. They are petitioned for by employers every year, and approved petitions (either as groups or for individuals) are good for a specified time limit, usually a growing season. Here in the northeast, it's usually for apple pickers, typically from Jamaica. The nonimmigrant workers in this classification rarely overstay--often the same ones come back, year after year, to work for the same employers. There's other seasonal classifications for other types of workers, like those that work at resorts, for example. Each classification is allotted a given number of workers each year. Who determines these numbers? Why our Congress, of course. They vote the the number of aliens in each classification year after year. The workers who are admitted in these classes are NOT illegals, and have no reason to sneak across borders. They are NOT illegal aliens, they are nonimmigrant workers, lawfully admitted. The politicians, as well as do-good liberals who staff nonprofit "help the poor migrant" agencies like to blur that distinction. Illegal is illegal. Those who aid and abet illegal activities are crooks whether they sit in congress or stand around chanting with Mexican flags and protest signs. Lawfully admitted foreign folks have been welcomed in the past and should not be confused with illegals or crooks. If not enough foreign workers are being admitted on temporary visas each year, the fault rests with those who set the number to be admitted, and that is Congress. The same Congress that is responsible for our immigration problems in the first place.
