On Thursday afternoon, AGC participated in a meeting at the White House on immigration reform. Religious, immigration rights, law enforcement, labor and business groups were invited to participate in discussions with White House staff as well as Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. The Secretary addressed the group and then five breakout sessions were held to very broadly discuss aspects of immigration reform. At the end of the meeting, President Obama provided some brief remarks and thanked those groups in attendance. Though no specific details or decisions were made, Secretary Napolitano encouraged the different constituencies to work together as Congress begins to debate immigration reform.
Though the President said last week that he does not anticipate immigration reform will be completed this year, the White House has indicated that they want to take up the issue in 2010. Congress returns to Washington, D.C., after Labor Day and proponents of immigration reform hope to get legislation introduced as early as October so negotiations can at least begin. In addition, some lawmakers are giving more thought on introducing smaller immigration bills instead of just focusing on comprehensive reform. AGC remains active in conversations in both the House and the Senate with regard to items of concern to the construction industry. These include employer enforcement, employment verification, changes to visa programs and the development of any future flow program.
AGC supported comprehensive immigration reform during the 110th Congress. Though the current economic climate makes it difficult for Congress to discuss this issue, AGC will remain involved and track developments closely.
- Industry Priorities
- Education
- News
- Connect
- Benefits
- Events
- Shop