Business and the Workforce
Immigrants not only bring diverse skills and perspectives to the U.S. workforce, they often fill employment gaps in crucial fields. We advocate for expanded work visas and related programs so our labor force can continue to benefit from immigrant workers and remain competitive in the global economy
Viewpoint: Immigration reform in essence an economic issue
If every time you tried to follow a process you came out with a terrible result, you’d probably figure that there was something wrong with the process. It doesn’t matter whether that process is a recipe for making chili, a set of instructions for assembling a piece of furniture, or… Read More
Time for Republicans to address immigration
One of the greatest challenges currently facing our country is a broken immigration system. Designed decades ago, these outdated policies have far outlived their effectiveness. The legal path to American citizenship is plagued with high costs, excessive administrative burdens, and can actually take three to ten years. The… Read More
Immigration fix must focus on retaining STEM grads
One of the most vibrant and economically important cities in the world is more or less an accident. To be economically relevant, Georgia needed a railroad to connect the port city of Savannah with the markets in the Midwest. Topography put… Read More
Visa Programs for High-Skilled Workers
Valorem, an IT consulting company, petitioned to employ a software developer for three years in H-1B status as part of a project development team at its office. Initially, USCIS denied the petition, but later – after Valorem, represented by AILA member Susan Bond, filed suit – approved it for one year. Read More
Obama Immigration Order to Impact Millions, Includes Provisions for High-Skilled Workers
Nov. 21 — President Barack Obama Nov. 20 unveiled a large-scale immigration plan that includes several measures designed to keep highly skilled immigrant workers in the U.S. as well as deportation protection for an estimated 5 million undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Read More
Immigration Reform 2014: Tech Industry Wants More Green Cards For Foreign Programmers
Microsoft is looking to fill a number of lucrative positions. The world’s largest software company is seeking individuals who can help build a next-generation system to power cloud computing for banking, health care and scientific research. “We are ready to hire developers who push the boundaries… Read More
Why the Industrial Market Needs Immigration Reform
As an industrial broker for the past three decades, I have personally come to know many business owners and leaders, and have come to understand the needs of their organizations. From manufacturers to third-party logistics firms, businesses rely on access to a skilled and reliable workforce. The problem,… Read More
Business leader’s plea to GOP: You won, now fix immigration
In the wake of the last election, millions of decent immigrants remain hostages to partisanship. Last week, Republicans gained majorities in the U.S. House and Senate and at least three governorships, including Illinois. President Barack Obama reiterated his vow of an executive order on immigration reform before the end… Read More
Report Finds Foreign-born Minnesotans Contribute Billions in Purchasing Power and Taxes, Strengthen State Housing Market
CONTACTS Sarah Radosevich, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, sradosevich@mnchamber.com Angie Zeitlin, New American Economy, angela@renewoureconomy.org Adriana La Rotta, Americas Society/Council of the Americas, alarotta@as-coa.org 40% of Minnesota’s Fortune 500 Companies founded by immigrants or their children Average home value in… Read More
Loss of high-skilled immigrants hurts growth, wages
Deepthi Valli is weighing choices she’d rather not have to make: Return to India or enroll in graduate school. It doesn’t appear she can keep working at Cerner Corp. Valli, 26, is one of thousands of highly skilled foreign-born employees whose U.S. employers can’t get the work visas needed to… Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.
