Manufacturers urge comprehensive immigration reform.January 31, 2013 -
According to NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons, manufacturers will reap the benefits of comprehensive reform—through an enriched workforce, improved economy, and stronger communities all working together under the same system. Thousands of manufacturing jobs remain vacant due to the skills gap. Access to the best workers at all skill levels is critical to manufacturers, and it will take an unwavering bipartisan commitment from the White House and Congress to get the full reforms we need.
Manufacturers: Comprehensive Immigration Reform an Absolute Necessity |
National Association Of Manufacturers (NAM)
1331 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC, 20004
USA
Press release date: January 29, 2013
Policymakers’ Initial Efforts an Encouraging Sign for Reforms
Washington, D.C., - National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons issued a statement in response to further movement in discussions regarding comprehensive immigration reform. Following yesterday’s announcement of a bipartisan and comprehensive proposal, President Obama today offered remarks in Las Vegas, Nev., on the need for immigration reform. Earlier today, a bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation to reform the H-1B visa program to allow employers greater access to high-skilled workers and improve the U.S. STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education pipeline. The NAM is a leading member of inSPIRE STEM USA, a coalition of businesses and educational groups advocating for immigration reform.
“Manufacturers will reap the benefits of comprehensive reform—through an enriched workforce, improved economy and stronger communities all working together under the same system. Access to the best workers at all skill levels is critical to manufacturers, and it will take an unwavering bipartisan commitment from the White House and Congress to get the full reforms we need. President Obama’s remarks today in favor of comprehensive reform are encouraging momentum to develop meaningful, comprehensive reforms now.
The bipartisan legislation introduced in the Senate is a key component of any final agreement on comprehensive reform. High-skilled workers are the lifeblood of the innovation that manufacturers in the United States need to compete. Thousands of manufacturing jobs remain vacant due to the skills gap. Allowing access to those workers while improving our STEM educational system would provide a solution for today that builds tomorrow’s workforce.
This will not be an easy issue to solve. The recent public comments from the President and members of Congress show that there is strong common ground—they must not waste this opportunity. Manufacturers look forward to ensuring that comprehensive immigration reform becomes a reality.”
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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User comments about this story
IWNC
Skills gaps are emerging throughout the economy, and one primary solution that’’s proven to make a difference in helping the economy thrive is investing in career and technical education (CTE). CTE programs, whether at the secondary, post-secondary or other educational level, boost student achievement and deliver increased career and earning potential. CTE also produces workers for the open jobs of today, and boosts business productivity and economic status as a result. These programs are extra successful when employers participate in their development and execution.
The Industry Workforce Needs Council is a new organization of businesses working together to spotlight skills gaps and advocate/kick off CTE programs that work to curb the problem. For more information, or to join the effort, visit the IWNC website.
Jason Sprenger, for the IWNC
By Jason Sprenger on Jan 31, 2013 09:51
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