ICYMI: Rep. Valadao and Garza Pen Op-ed on Strengthening the Economy Through Immigration Reforms in The San Joaquin Valley Sun 

Arlington, VA (09/17/2026) — In a new op-ed in The San Joaquin Valley Sun, Congressman David G. Valadao and Daniel Garza, Founding President of The LIBRE Initiative, argue that tackling the affordability crisis includes fixing America’s broken and outdated immigration system. For working families across the country — from California’s Central Valley to communities nationwide — labor shortages in agriculture, construction, and hospitality are driving up the cost of everything from groceries to housing. 

Key takeaways: 

• Affordability and immigration are intertwined: Valadao and Garza make the case that a functioning legal immigration system is a cost-of-living issue: when employers in sectors like agriculture and hospitality can’t find willing workers, projects stall, supply chains shrink, and prices rise for everyone. 

• All Americans, many of which are Latinos, want both problems solved: New LIBRE Institute polling shows that while the economy remains a chief concern for Hispanic Americans, the vast majority (nearly 9 in 10) also care about fixing our legal immigration system. 

• Common-sense, bipartisan solutions are on the table: Valadao points to the DIGNITY Act, which pairs stronger border security with an earned pathway to legal work status for Dreamers and certain undocumented residents who register with the government, pass extensive backgrounds checks, and meet strict requirements, as well as with the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, the most significant H-2A overhaul in roughly four decades. 

Excerpts from the opinion piece: 

“A recent national poll conducted by the LIBRE Institute found that while the economy remains a top concern for Hispanic Americans, nearly nine out of ten also believe our legal immigration system needs to be fixed. 

That reflects conversations I’ve had with families, farmers, employers, and workers throughout the Central Valley. People want the opportunity to work hard, keep more of what they earn, and build their own American Dream. 

That’s why I believe meaningful immigration reform should be part of a larger strategy to strengthen our economy and put more money back in people’s pockets. 

But if Congress is serious about making life more affordable, we must fix our broken immigration system.” 

Read the full piece from Rep. Valadao and Daniel Garza here. 

ABOUT THE LIBRE INITIATIVE: 

The LIBRE Initiative is a non-partisan, non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to empowering the U.S. Hispanic community. We focus on promoting economic freedom, educational opportunities, and a path to prosperity for all. By advocating for policy changes at both the local and national levels, we aim to ensure that the American Dream remains attainable for everyone.