Joint Statement Released by Business and Advocacy Immigration CoalitionA group of Minnesota companies and organizations have collaborated to release a joint statement about immigration reform. The members of the Minnesota Business Immigration Coalition have all co-signed this statement: The growth rate of Minnesota’s workforce is declining. Even during challenging economic times there are a wide range of jobs that are left unfilled and employers frequently rely on the immigrant workforce to fill these positions. When these jobs are left unfilled, the economy as a whole does not function properly. Immigrants help to relieve the worker shortage for many companies. Thus, we need immigrant workers with a wide variety of skill sets. The federal government has failed to pass comprehensive reform which is necessary to address current and future immigration issues. As a result, state and local governments are getting involved with immigration legislation. Most of their proposals put more of the burden on employers to check immigration status and, in effect, enforce federal law. If states continue on this path, a system that is already cumbersome and at times unfair would not only become more confusing and expensive to manage, but also unpredictable, even inhumane, for workers and employers alike. For example, a recent Minnesota executive order has created barriers for businesses in need of employees and workers in need of employment. State laws that attempt to take on federal responsibilities also often face expensive court challenges. Guiding Principles for Reform:Goal: We support comprehensive federal reform that recognizes the needs of our economy; protects national security; and is humane. Successful reform will modify immigration policies without creating more obstacles for workers to connect with employers and vice versa. Thus, the following must occur simultaneously:
Cosigned: Minnesota Agri-Growth Council |