House Bill 1325, aimed at making it easier for farmers to recruit workers from Mexico [1], is on its way to Gov. Bill Ritter after the House voted 47-17 for its final passage, reports Tim Hoover.

The measure, sponsored by Sen. Abel Tapia, D-Pueblo, and Rep. Marsha Looper, R-Calhan, would allow the state to work with recruiters to speed up the process for obtaining agricultural visas. Recruiters in Mexico could find workers, help them fill out applications for the visa and set up medical screenings for the laborers.

Ritter's office did not immediately return calls seeking comment, but Looper was optimistic Ritter would sign the bill and said the bill means Colorado is leading the nation on the issue of legal immigration.

Two weeks ago, the bill received considerable attention [2] when State Rep. Douglas Bruce, R-Colorado Springs, speaking against the bill, said "We don't need 5,000 more illiterate peasants in the state of Colorado."