GENE'S HARVESTING v. RODRIGUEZ

ROBERT P. SMITH, Jr., Chief Judge.

We affirm the deputy's order finding that appellee, an alien illegally in this country, is entitled to Chapter 440 benefits for a work-related injury notwithstanding his immigration status. Section 440.02(2)(a), Florida Statutes (1980 Supp.), specifically included aliens among those "employees" entitled to benefits, and nothing in the statute suggests that workers not lawfully immigrated are excluded. See White v. Conoley Fruit Harvesting, Inc., IRC Order 2-3877 (1979). Appellants' other points have no merit.

AFFIRMED.

SHIVERS and THOMPSON, JJ., concur.