Note to members: Too early to know what might change on immigration

In the wake of Tuesday's election, we wanted to touch base on immigration, realizing there might be concern among our dairy community's Hispanic workers about what could change with the new president and Congress.

It is too early to know what changes, if any, the new administration might make to our immigration policy. Any dramatic shifts in how immigrants are treated will take time to implement, if the government can implement them at all. Some of the changes the new Trump administration might like to make would also require Congressional approval, which may not happen.

We also want to reassure you and our immigrant workers that making fixes to the immigration system remains a top priority for the association. We are excited to work with our Wisconsin congressional delegation and the new administration on improvements as quickly as possible.

Our position remains that, even without comprehensive reform, positive changes could be made now to provide labor security for dairy farmers and immigrant workers. Among those possible changes would be a new dairy-specific agricultural visa or creating a system of state-sponsored visas for targeted industries like the dairy community.

There is good reason to be optimistic.

If we had divided government, the tension between Republican lawmakers who want to do something on labor supply, like a guest worker program, and a Democratic president who wants a more comprehensive reform, could mean that nothing gets done. With the House, Senate and president all Republicans, they should be able to agree on pro-business reforms. Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan have both indicated an openness for such a move.

Immigrant workers deserve a fair opportunity to build productive lives here as a vital part of the dairy workforce. That is what we will continue to fight for.

We will keep you posted as the government makes the transition.