Just last week the nation’s business and labor leaders came to an agreement that could help manage the future influx of immigrant workers. Keep in mind that this was one of the most contentious topics when immigration reform was debated back in 2007.
Labor and business organizations have often been on opposite sides of the immigration debate. This agreement, however, provides a platform that both groups can agree on, especially as it relates to work visas. Ana Avendaño from the AFL-CIO said it best, claiming that the agreement, “Respects workers’ rights and meets the needs of business.”
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this agreement deals with the subject of temporary workers. The new work visa proposal is different from our current temporary work-related programs. The quantity of new visas issued would be moderated based on the ebbs and flows of the economy and would potentially offer permanent residency, which would allow workers flexibility to switch jobs. Meanwhile, the interests of U.S. workers would remain a priority“they would have precedence for available jobs.
This milestone is worth noting. As the nation continues to grapple with gridlock on our debt, gun control and climate change, immigration reform has served as a unifying policy. For now it is too soon to tell, but we do see a glimmer of hope as this subject makes its way through our Congress.
