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In the end, politics won over policy.

A bipartisan immigration-reform deal collapsed in the Senate in early April because of internal bickering by both parties. For now, an immigration reform bill is on hold while Congress is on Easter break, and the question remains whether senators can pass a bill when they return.

"Politics, emotion and sentiment are directing this issue," said John Wargowsky, director of OFBF's labor services, who has been working on immigration reform since 2000.

Major sticking points in negotiations are expanding the guest-worker program and allowing some illegal immigrants to apply for citizenship. The United States has about 11 million illegal immigrants.

"Despite gridlock on the issue prior to recess, interest remains high for action upon Congress' return, and Farm Bureau will remain engaged," said Adam Sharp, OFBF's director of national affairs.

American Farm Bureau Federation estimates that a third of U.S. fruit and vegetable production, amounting to between $5 billion and $9 billion, is at risk of being lost to foreign competition without a workable temporary worker program. Net farm income for the rest of the agricultural sector is expected to decline by as much as $5 billion annually. OFBF estimates that 17 percent of Ohio's farm labor force could disappear without an effective guest-worker program.

"Our country needs a guest-worker provision to supply our labor needs," Wargowsky said. "We have to put in place a legal system that works and is affordable and step up enforcement."

For several months, President Bush has pushed for Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform that includes a guest worker program. The House has already passed a bill that focuses on security and tougher border enforcement and does not include a guest worker plan.

In late March, a group of Ohio farmers showed consumers why immigration reform is needed in the United States. The farmers and nursery owners gathered at the West Side Market in Cleveland and passed out produce and plants with inflated prices to demonstrate what could happen if agricultural workers were not available to family farms.

"We're not talking about amnesty or allowing foreigners to take advantage of our welfare system," said Jeff Zellers, OFBF's first vice president. "We're talking about plugging the holes in our borders and at the same time protecting U.S. farmers and consumers."

Sen. Arlen Specter, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has indicated his willingness to take up the immigration issue again. Sharp said the agriculture industry needs to continue to press senators to pass a sensible immigration reform bill.

"Farm Bureau members are asked to express their opinion during recess to their members of Congress," he said.