Labor Rally In Kennett Square Set For 5/1

Kennett Square is preparing for a large worker’s rally on Saturday to call for immigration reform.

20,000 migrant workers live in the small borough in Chester County. In fact, Kennett Square boasts that it is the mushroom capital of the world, with farms producing nearly one-million pounds of mushroom per year.

Without that pool of labor to pull from, the local economy would take a major hit.

Fox 29’s Sharon Crowley was in Kennett Square today and spoke with local mushroom farmers and the borough’s Mayor.

One farmer, Carlos, has lived in Kennett Square for 20 years – but he is not a citizen.
He says he cannot afford to pay the lawyer’s fees to become a citizen. Carlos says he has paid taxes and he spends a lot on money in the US.

Mayor Matt Fetick recognizes the value of cheap labor to the local economy. He says the only time police call INS to report an illegal worker is if the person breaks the law.

He goes on to say that the migrant population provides a valuable role in supporting the local economy – jobs US citizens do not want.  He also added that the U.S. Government should focus on border control, as opposed to immigration reform.

Fox 29 will continue to cover this hot topic and bring you the latest from Arizona and our area.