Immigration is ‘far and away’ a top national policy concern for business

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Dive Brief:

• Immigration reform is “far and away and without a doubt” the top national policy concern of state-level business advocates, according to the report. August 31 report from the law firm Littler.
• State chambers of commerce and their members feel strongly that immigration reform should be broad-based and address all skill levels and labor market needs, the report found.
• In particular, the report called for an adequate supply of H-1B and similar visas and for those highly skilled workers to be processed in a timely manner. And a more secure authentication system is needed for guest workers; “Some employers call E-Verify a ‘risk,’ although they are reluctant to say so publicly,” Litter said. Business advocates have also called for protections for DACA individuals and opportunities to grant work permits to immigrants with professional backgrounds. Finally, the federal government could improve employment policies and financial support for immigrants, the representatives said.

Dive Insight:

Employers have long sought immigration reforms, particularly with regard to visa availability. 36 percent of American employers Responding to last year’s survey He said there are not enough green cards; 41% said too few H-1B visas are available.

At the beginning of this year The American Council urged Congress To modernize the immigration system to meet the skills needs of employers. “Because of Covid and other policy changes, there are more than a million college-educated immigrants in the United States today,” said the group’s executive vice president and policy officer. Unless we welcome more people into our country to fill these jobs, we will not be able to control inflation, address our supply chain, or fully grow our economy and remain competitive.

Lawyers He previously told HR Dive Without such a policy change, employers may need to monitor the role of immigration in their talent strategy and plan for visa processing delays.