Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison was quoted in a May 29, 2007 Washington Times article [Brian Debose, 'Minority caucuses question alien bill']. In his statement, Rep. Ellison connected the influx of Central and South American immigrants to poverty caused in part by the antiquated Farm Bill and unfair trade. This is another compelling rationale for Farm Bill reform. As reported by Debose:
"At the end of the day, we have to have a trade policy that lets [Central and South American] goods in and one that's fair to American workers and Mexican small farmers and doesn't undermine them," said Rep. Keith Ellison, Minnesota Democrat.
"People have to understand that once we start dumping corn and wheat and everything else into Mexico and we wipe out their small farmers, guess where those small farmers are coming? To a town near you."
