Introduction of the Power Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, we depend on immigrant workers to take some of the toughest jobs. They pick our food, clean our houses, and wash our cars. As U.S. workers, they deserve to freely exercise their labor rights; yet when immigrants want to organize for fair pay or decent working conditions, they are often silenced by unscrupulous employers who retaliate through harassment, abuse, and threats of immigration enforcement.

This is unacceptable. When I hear about it, I think of Asuncion Valdivia, who died after 10 hours of grape picking in 105 degree heat. Asuncion did not have the opportunity to report a violation. We cannot allow any voice to be stifled, especially when that voice is speaking out against dangerous or unfair practices.

That is why I am introducing the POWER Act this week. This bill expands U visa eligibility for victims of retaliation, strengthens labor agencies' investigative powers, and allows a stay of removal for workers who filed a workplace claim.

We must protect our workers, no matter who they are.

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