Utahns keep close watch on plans to deploy National Guard

Sharon Farnsworth Ekins said the immigration debate is important enough that her husband, Shirl Ekins, planned to be home from his Santaquin orchard in time to watch Bush's address.

"We're very concerned," said Ekins, whose husband owns Hybrid Fruit Orchards and whose son operates Farnsworth Farms.

During peak picking season, Ekins said orchards are reliant on migrant workers who comprise the bulk of their labor force.

"From a farmer's standpoint, the Mexican labor is just really critical for us to have a food supply," she said. "For the most part, they are good-hearted workers. They'll get the job done."

In one of the nation's top five cherry producing states, migrant labor plays a key role, particularly at harvest time, said Dean Miner, Utah State University extension agent for Utah County.

"It is essential they come to a solution of how to provide a manageable guest worker program," he said.

A Utah County orchard owner who asked not to be identified said a guest worker program would really help growers who have a hard time evaluating migrant workers' paperwork.

"It's a Catch 22," the owner said, pointing to those who criticize growers for hiring cheap labor. He said without that labor, produce prices would skyrocket.

"I haven't seen many people in line to pick fruit," the owner said. "Most of our labor is Hispanic."

In Utah, activists on both sides of the immigration debate eyed Bush's remarks with interest, hoping he'd be able to sway lawmakers to their viewpoints.

Archie Archuleta, chairman of the Utah Coalition of La Raza and co-chairman of the Utah Hispanic/Latino Legislative Task Force, hoped Bush could sway Republicans toward support of a guest worker program that "begins the process of legalization, not citizenship." He questioned the logistics and cost of sending National Guard troops to the border. Archuleta said the president's plan to balance national security with legalization is welcome but isn't in sync with what he's seen in Congress.

"Maybe Congress will fall into line, but right now you've got some pretty deep lines drawn," Archuleta said.

He said it will be interesting to see how those calling for punitive measures only and those calling for legalization will meet.

"That remains to be seen as this heats up," he said.

However, Archuleta acknowledged it would be a hard sell, especially among many in the GOP's right wing.

"If he's able to wield the influence of the White House, it could be pretty good," Archuleta said. "He's in an uphill battle."