The fate of undocumented workers on Long Island hangs in the balance as lawmakers struggle to come to an agreement on immigration reform.

Mario Lopez Cordero, a 36-year-old father of three, works two jobs seven days a week. Years ago, he walked across the border and made his way to Long Island, where he works on a Greenport farm and sends 50 percent of his salary to his family.

Lopez Cordero is one of millions of migrant workers who are in high demand on America's farmland. Their work is so crucial that the current immigration bill would allow low-skilled workers to gain citizenship without risk of deportation.

Farmer Joe Barszczewski owns the Greenport farm where Lopez Cordero works. He dismisses the idea that immigrants will take jobs from Americans, saying immigrants often do jobs that others aren't willing to do.

The proposed immigration bill faces an uncertain future in the more conservative House of Representatives. Republican House Speaker John Boehner says he will only bring a bill to the floor if it has majority support in his party.

If the bill does not pass, roughly 11 million illegal immigrants may face a future in the shadows of this country.

For extended interviews with Lopez Cordero and Barszczewski, click the video to the left or go to News 12 Extra on Optimum TV channel 612.