<P> In 2013, the Grange signed on to a letter to Congress calling for the doubling of legal immigration and legalization for undocumented immigrants currently in the United States . However, this position has been somewhat revised, and the Grange now emphasizes an expansion in the H - 2A visa program to increase legal immigration and address the crisis - level labor shortage in agriculture . They support the enforcement of immigration law but urge discretion with regard to the impact on labor availability . </P> <P> When the Grange first began in 1867, it borrowed some of its rituals and symbols from Freemasonry, including secret meetings, oaths and special passwords . It also copied ideas from Greek and Roman mythology and the Bible . Small, ceremonial farm tools are often displayed at Grange meetings . Elected officers are in charge of opening and closing each meeting . There are seven degrees of Grange membership; the ceremony of each degree relates to the seasons and various symbols and principles . </P> <P> During the last few decades, the Grange has moved toward public meetings and no longer meets in secret . Though the secret meetings do not occur, the Grange still acknowledges its rich history and practices some traditions . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (March 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table>

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