Recognizing immigrant laborers as part of the solution.
B Stands for Bringing Value
This past weekend, many of us enjoyed Labor Day by spending time off work to be with family and friends; a last hurrah before settling into the regular rhythms that come with fall. Though perhaps we don’t always talk about it, this extended weekend is a reminder of the many contributions laborers have made to the progress and strength of this country. But do the systems we have in
place recognize and value the contributions of all laborers?
Whether they are Dreamers,
refugees or farmworkers, immigrants make up a significant percentage of the American workforce However, our immigration system doesn’t justly recognize the contributions of immigrant laborers in this country. Dreamers fear losing protection, refugee resettlement numbers are at a record low, and agriculture and farmworkers have limited work visas.
Click on the image to tell your members of Congress to help recognize the importance of immigrants in our country! (Source: National Immigration Forum Twitter)
These limitations in our immigration system have accentuated the
problems of significant labor shortages and rising food prices. Earlier this summer, a group of farmers and business owners participated in a virtual press conference calling on Congress to pass bipartisan legislation, such as the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, to help address these issues. The consensus from the press conference was clear: immigration reform that leads to increased work opportunities for immigrants is part of the solution, not the problem.
griculture and business leaders are not the only ones calling for bipartisan action. National security leaders also continue to advocate on behalf of our workforce. Similarly, Americans across the political ideological spectrum and various sectors of society want to see Republicans and Democrats work together toward immigration reform. In recent polling, the National Immigration Forum found that the majority of people polled, regardless of political affiliation, were in favor of:
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"Republicans and Democrats working together this year on reforms that could help lower food prices by ensuring a legal, reliable workforce for America’s farmers and ranchers" and
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"Republicans and Democrats working together this year on improving legal immigration options that could address labor shortages and reduce pressures at the border."
The current immigration system is failing to address the country’s need for workers to fill the gaps in the labor market, which has consequences for all of us, as we have seen with rising food prices. There need to be more opportunities for people who are eager to work and contribute to this country.
Join us in advocating for reform that affirms the dignity and potential of immigrants and values their contributions. I invite you to that will help address the current needs in the labor market and people’s kitchens.
As we continue this advocacy, we look forward to welcoming Jennie Murray as the new President and CEO for the National Immigration Forum. Jennie will bring her vast expertise, which includes supporting immigrants in the workforce, and deep understanding of the Forum’s strategy and goals as a former staff member, to her role to continue to make the U.S. a more welcoming country for immigrants.
"I will lead our organization in amplifying the voices of our coalition partners, helping the country to hear the voices of the vast majority of the population that supports humane and sensible immigration policies and programs," said Jennie in her statement announcing her new role.
We are excited to continue to advocate for immigrants with Jennie at the helm!
Stay healthy and hopeful,
Allison Bassett
Field and Constituencies Associate
National Immigration Forum
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