Last week, the House Republican conference released its Standards for Immigration Reform.These principles call for a fix to our nation’s immigration system and acknowledge that failure to fix it will hurt our economy and jeopardize national security.
While debate on this issue will be vigorous, CalChamber continues to push for comprehensive immigration reform this year. Representatives Kevin McCarthy, Darrell Issa, Jeff Denham, and David Valadao are to be applauded for their efforts on this issue.They are providing an important voice in the immigration reform discussion because immigration reformis critical to California – perhaps more so than for any other state. Without an improved California economy, the nation’s economy will continue to lag.
“California’s economy needs a solution to the problem” says CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg. “In order for us to be competitive in a global marketplace, California needs more visas for skilled technology workers or these jobs will go elsewhere. In addition, our agricultural industry needs a robust temporary worker program.California’s economic growth is stifled by the uncertain status of 2.6 million residents here who do not have legal status, half of whom have been in California for over 10 years.”
The House Republicans have taken a bold step forward and CalChamber encourages them to fight for a solution to this broken system.We need a long-term solution that will help us build a strong and prosperous future for our state and our nation.
