Your editorial on immigration policy is an encouraging signal reflecting common sense and an informed opinion during a policy debate that often lacks both (“To grow economy, Maine needs more immigrants,” Aug. 8).

As labor advocates for farmworkers, we know that a path to immigration status and citizenship for the undocumented would benefit all workers. To address future labor needs, the editorial calls for “visa system … changes that make it easier for companies to match workers to jobs.” If we truly need additional workers, they should be offered an opportunity to become an immigrant and a citizen, not mere temporary visa workers beholden to a business owner. Immigration reform must be true to our democratic and economic freedoms.

Bruce Goldstein

president

Farmworker Justice