The deep freeze that has destroyed some $1 billion worth of California citrus could also mean months of unemployment for thousands of farmworkers, packers and truck drivers during what is already a lean season for those who work in agriculture, industry officials say. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said the state would offer assistance to all affected laborers, regardless of their immigration status. The governor's press secretary, Aaron McLear, elaborated on Schwarzenegger's comment Wednesday, saying the promised assistance for illegal immigrants included food programs, temporary housing, low-income energy assistance and other social services -- but not unemployment insurance.
See "Citrus Freeze Leaves Thousands Jobless", Associated Press, The New York Times, January 17, 2007