In a bold move to address the economic and humanitarian implications of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, State Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, a Redlands Republican, has called for expedited work permits for undocumented immigrants deemed essential workers.
This push comes as Trump pursues a mass deportation agenda targeting millions of undocumented immigrants across the United States, including an estimated 2.5 million in California.
Ochoa Bogh, the daughter of Mexican immigrants who worked under the Bracero program during World War II, penned a letter to Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
The letter advocated for legal protections for workers critical to industries like agriculture, hospitality, and construction.
The letter, co-signed by Republican Assemblymembers Leticia Castillo (Corona), Greg Wallis (Rancho Mirage), and bipartisan lawmakers from Southern California and the Central Valley, highlights the urgent need to reform the nation’s “outdated, slow-moving immigration system.”
“For years, I viewed immigration as a federal issue, but the economic fallout and human toll compel me to act,” Ochoa Bogh told Inland News Network.
“These workers are integral to California’s economy, ensuring our farms produce food and our businesses thrive.
Without reform, we risk higher costs for goods and services.”
The senator’s call for action reflects growing concerns over recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, which have disrupted communities and industries.
In Los Angeles, clashes between protesters and ICE agents, supported by National Guard troops, escalated tensions last month.
In Riverside County, Perris Mayor Michael Vargas advised residents to stay indoors during reported ICE operations.
In San Bernardino County, Bishop Alberto Rojas excused parishioners from attending mass due to fears of immigration enforcement on church grounds.
These raids have led to temporary restaurant closures and reports of crops rotting on farms from California to Texas.
Paul Granillo, President and CEO of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership, emphasized the economic stakes: “Without enough workers, Californians will face higher prices for essentials like food and housing.
A practical work permit program would stabilize our workforce and protect workers from exploitation.”
Broader Efforts to Modernize Immigration Policy
Ochoa Bogh’s initiative aligns with broader efforts to modernize immigration policy.
She is actively building support in Sacramento for the Dignity Act of 2025, a federal reform package proposed by Congressmembers Mike Levin (D-San Juan Capistrano) and Youn Kim (R-Anaheim Hills).
The bill aims to provide a pathway to legal status for immigrant workers, addressing labor shortages while ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions.
This is not Ochoa Bogh’s first outreach to the Trump administration.
Last month, she joined Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita) and other Republicans in a letter urging Trump to prioritize deporting violent criminals and streamline the immigration process.
“California’s voice must be heard in Washington,” Ochoa Bogh said.
“We need policies that reflect our state’s economic realities and humanitarian values.”
Historical Context of Work Visa Programs
Historically, the U.S. has implemented work visa programs to address labor needs.
The Bracero program (1942–1964) allowed Mexican workers to fill agricultural and industrial roles, while the H-2 Visa program, established in 1952, supports temporary agricultural workers.
The 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act granted amnesty to many undocumented residents and expanded guestworker visas, a model Ochoa Bogh believes could inspire modern solutions.
Despite Trump’s commitment to “the largest mass deportation operation in history,” as stated by White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson, the administration has hinted at possible exemptions for industries reliant on immigrant labor.
This wavering has sparked hope among lawmakers like Ochoa Bogh, who see an opportunity to balance enforcement with economic pragmatism.
“These workers aren’t just numbers—they’re people contributing to our communities,” Ochoa Bogh said, drawing on her family’s history.
“My parents and grandparents worked hard under the Bracero program.
I know the heart of those seeking a better life, and we must create a system that’s fair for them and for California.”
As the debate over immigration reform intensifies, Ochoa Bogh’s advocacy underscores a critical juncture for California and the nation.
Her efforts to bridge state and federal priorities could shape a more sustainable immigration framework, ensuring essential workers are valued rather than “working in the shadows.”
Also Read: Powell Says Trump’s Immigration Roundups Will Now Slow The Economy
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