The president in a press statement said that information his office has reviewed showed that it is not in the best of interest of workers to go to Iowa and work for the plant.
“It is not the job of the government to interfere with people’s options for economic prosperity, however it is the government’s greatest responsibility to protect its citizens and I strongly believe that this could end up jeopardizing the well-being of many Palauans who simply wants to make a better life,” Remengesau said.
He said that the United States Federal Authorities raided Agriprocessors in May and arrested 400 illegal immigrants in its employment.
He said that reports showed that several federal immigration charges have been filed and that the State of Iowa has also done its own investigation which has led to allegations of violations of the state’s child labor laws.
There were also alleged violations of the child’s labor laws and other claims of physical abuse and non-payment of wages.
The president said that even Governor of Iowa, Chet Culver expressed disapproval of the company’s business practice and that he has directed the Iowa Workforce Development Director not to allow the company to advertise jobs on the state website.
Remengesau said Palauans do have the right to work in the U.S. but there are a number of requirements that must be met before actually being employed.
The president said that Palauans must obtain first an “Employment Authorization Document” from the US prior to starting work.
The press statement said that a copy of the fact sheet explaining the requirements can be picked up at the Division of Job Placement.
