“Nothing Happens Until People Start Talking”

Immigration in Idaho: Defining the Issue

Thursday, March 8, 2007
11:45 am – 1:15 pm, The Grove Hotel, Boise
Co-sponsored by Boise State University Renaissance Institute

William Tamayo U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission	Michaelene Rowe Snake River Farmers Association	Bob Fick Idaho Commerce & Labor

What are the implications for Idaho of federal and state decisions on immigration policy? What factors must be weighed to create fair, enforceable immigration reform?

A three-part City Club series will offer insights into this multifaceted topic, starting with this round-table discussion exploring demographic, economic and legal implications for employers and employees. Future speakers will consider social services and Congressional solutions.

Bob Fick, Idaho Commerce & Labor communications manager and a former Associated Press bureau chief covering Idaho economics and politics, will summarize national research and give a demographic overview of immigration in the U.S. and Idaho.

Michaelene Rowe, executive director, Snake River Farmers Association, Rupert, will address challenges Idaho growers face hiring legal workers under the current agricultural guest worker program, "H2A." She also runs Global Resources, Inc., serving the hospitality, landscape and construction industries.

William Tamayo, regional attorney, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, San Francisco, Calif., has practiced immigration law for 16 years. An expert on immigration litigation in the agriculture, service and tourism industries, Tamayo directs the commission’s legal work in northern California, northern Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho and Montana.

Forum Chair: Georgia Smith

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