Here in the California Central Valley, immigrant communities face a painful choice: endure aggressive ICE raids or accept immigration policies that provide only temporary, uncertain relief. Congressman David Valadao and Congressman Adam Gray support the bipartisan DIGNITY Act of 2025 (H.R. 4393), which is often framed as a compassionate compromise. But for many of us who live and work here, it feels like a political half-measure, one that treats undocumented immigrants as a disposable labor force rather than full members of society deserving dignity and permanence. Why does it not provide a path to citizenship?
In contrast, Senator Alex Padilla’s registry (Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929) bill offers a far more humane and straightforward solution. It would allow immigrants who have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least seven years and meet basic legal criteria to apply directly for lawful permanent residency. There’s no complicated, temporary status, no need to reapply every year, and no fees or penalties that further marginalize hardworking families. It’s a clear path forward grounded in justice.
A growing concern in our region surrounds the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, promoted heavily by Congressman Jim Costa. While this bill is presented as a breakthrough for undocumented farmworkers, its impact is limited. It grants only conditional legal status to a narrow group of farm workers who meet strict employment criteria and pay a $1,000 fine before applying for permanent residency. Even more troubling, it expands the H-2A guest worker program, bringing in foreign workers on temporary contracts, without offering undocumented workers already here a genuine path to citizenship. This prioritizes temporary labor over people with roots, families, and futures in our communities. Please note: “The H-2A program has grown substantially, with the number of certified positions quadrupling since 2012, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.”
Trump had this to say about immigrant workers: “… immigrants are “naturally” designed for farmwork.” That others have tried doing the work, and that they can’t do it. But he does not value their lives.
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act continues to treat undocumented workers as commodities rather than as people, offering only a conditional and limited legal status without a clear path to citizenship. The Act favors temporary labor over integrating workers into communities, leaving families at risk amid ongoing immigration enforcement and ICE raids that disrupt neighborhoods nationwide. This climate of fear makes it impossible for immigrant workers and their loved ones to live with stability or dignity, underscoring the urgent need for policies that protect rather than punish. Real change requires recognizing their full humanity and providing permanent, dignified solutions, not just temporary fixes.
Let’s be clear: Congressman David Valadao (CA-22), Adam Gray (CA-13), and Jim Costa (CA-21) represent some of the highest Latino districts in the nation. Valadao’s district is approximately 73% Latino, Gray’s is about 66%, and Costa’s is around 64%. These are not fringe populations, they are the overwhelming majority. For representatives serving districts with such strong Latino majorities, continuing to back policies that rely on temporary status, financial penalties, or incomplete protections is more than inadequate, it’s a betrayal. These leaders owe their constituents more than vague compromises. They owe them bold, permanent solutions that reflect the values and demographics of the people they were elected to serve, regardless of whether residents are citizens or not.
Too often, elected officials only appear during election season. They treat voters like checkboxes, relying on a lack of civic engagement to pass watered-down legislation that fails to challenge systemic injustice. These deceptive and shallow tactics keep many voters in the dark and prevent meaningful reform. But many of us see through them. We understand that Valadao, Gray, and Costa are navigating political survival rather than leading with courage. Their actions reveal a reluctance to confront the injustices and unfair choices facing immigrant communities.
Proposals like the DIGNITY Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act are marketed as progress, but they stop short of what our communities need to live without fear. They maintain a permanent underclass of workers with limited rights and uncertain futures. Instead of recognizing undocumented immigrants as full contributors to our society, these bills treat them as temporary labor to be regulated and taxed without full integration or respect.
Let’s be honest: yes, many undocumented immigrants entered the U.S. without legal authorization. But that does not make them criminals. They are not the “dangerous invaders” or “job stealers” often depicted in political rhetoric. They are workers, parents, students, entrepreneurs, and neighbors—people who have blended into our communities, raised families, and helped make the Central Valley one of the most economically vital regions in the country. Reducing them to harmful stereotypes only deepens division and ignores their real, everyday contributions.
Senator Padilla’s registry bill stands apart because it acknowledges that reality. It does not simply manage individuals; it empowers them by providing an opportunity for legal residency status and eventual citizenship. It does not require visas or yearly renewals and offers a process for obtaining permanent legal status. It doesn’t force immigrants to keep proving their worth; it affirms that they already are worthy.
Espi Sandoval: “I’ve lived in the Central Valley my whole life. I’ve watched immigrant families work harder than most, hoping for the promise of fairness, only to be met with policies that complicate their lives or leave them in legal limbo. That cycle continues because our leaders choose political expediency over the kind of transformative reform we need.”
Voters in the Valley see through the noise. We are not fooled by incrementalism disguised as justice. We know what real solutions look like, and we demand representatives who will match their policy with the lived experiences of their districts.
Undocumented immigrants are not expendable labor. They are part of the moral, economic, and social fabric of our region. They deserve permanent status and the opportunity to pursue citizenship, not as a favor, but as recognition of what they already contribute.
Suppose Representatives Valadao, Gray, and Costa truly wish to honor the immigrant communities they serve. In that case, they must stand behind comprehensive reforms (that include DACA and TPS) like Senator Padilla’s registry bill. Anything less is more of the same: political theater in place of real justice and quality humane solutions.
We are watching. We will not stay silent.
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