Manufacturers Applaud Senators for immigration reform plan.
Press Release Summary:
NAM welcomed bipartisan legislation released by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), John McCain (R-AZ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Dick Durbin (D-IL). Framework addresses aspects of immigration critical to manufacturers. And while manufacturers are still reviewing language, proposal was noted as thoughtful and positive step that addresses reforms necessary for U.S. success.
Original Press Release:
Manufacturers Applaud Senators for Immigration Reform Plan
Momentum and Collaboration to Fix a Broken System
Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) welcomed bipartisan legislation released today by Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), John McCain (R-AZ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Dick Durbin (D-IL). This comprehensive framework addresses all aspects of immigration critical to manufacturers. While manufacturers are still reviewing the language, the proposal is a thoughtful and positive step that addresses the real reforms necessary for the United States to succeed. For manufacturers, this means fixing our broken system in a way that strengthens our economy and grows our workforce without displacing American workers.
“This country depends on a strong manufacturing economy, and a strong manufacturing economy relies on a top-notch workforce,” said Caterpillar Inc. Chairman and CEO and NAM Board Chair Doug Oberhelman. “In today’s competitive global marketplace, small and large manufacturers in the United States need workers at every skill level. That is why you see more manufacturers than ever before engaging on this issue. Immigration reform needs to work for manufacturers and our employees, not against us.”
The plan announced today contains all of the main pillars needed to move forward, including recognition of status for those living in the United States, increased access to the highly skilled individuals who drive research and production, a new program to address future workforce needs for differing skill levels, a more robust verification system and increased border security. As this plan moves through the legislative process, the NAM will continue to engage on these key components to ensure manufacturers’ concerns are addressed.
“There is momentum behind this reform because it is desperately needed not only to make the United States more competitive, but also because it is the right thing to do,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “The senators in the Gang of Eight have shown leadership and perseverance. In meetings with them, we have stressed manufacturers’ needs, and we look forward to providing further input as the final bill is perfected. This is only the beginning, but we are on the right track and moving forward.”
-NAM-
The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing has a presence in every single congressional district providing good, high-paying jobs. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.
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