The administration announced in early September that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program would be rescinded and called on Congress to act in order to address the issue. The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) agreed then that Congress needed to fix our broken immigration system and must work to find a solution for the more than 750,000 immigrants protected under DACA.
Today, the NAM continued our leadership efforts by spearheading a joint letter to Capitol Hill urging Congress to assure DACA recipients that their future is safe in this country. The signatories of the letter included more than 30 organizations from a diverse cross-section of the manufacturing industry from around the country.
Since the announcement in September, DACA recipients, also known as DREAMers, have been living with a magnitude of uncertainty. These individuals were brought to the United States as minors through no fault of their own, and some currently are contributing to the success of the manufacturing sector. In many cases, they know no other country other than this one.
The last major immigration reform effort to come out of Washington happened in 1986. Despite the many calls for action since then to update our system, lawmakers have not delivered. NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons has called on Congress to “step up” and provide a solution for these DREAMers, and it is clear from the joint letter sent today the rest of the business community agrees.
Manufacturers have reason to be optimistic Congress will deliver to DACA recipients with many solutions already being discussed on Capitol Hill. The NAM will continue to work with lawmakers to find a solution that fixes the immigration system for these young people, manufacturers and our economy.
The letter to Congress is below and can be found here:
November 13, 2017
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20515
Dear Senators and Representatives:
The immigration system is broken. For too long, the business community has called on Congress and various administrations to lead an overhaul of the immigration system. While earnest efforts have been made, nothing has changed. The last major reform of the immigration system took place in 1986.
Recipients participating in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program should not have to live in fear of deportation. Congress needs to send a strong signal to this segment of the immigrant community that we welcome their talents, contributions of hard work, desire for education and if serving, support their willingness to wear the uniform of the armed forces.
Manufacturers call on Congress to assure DACA recipients that their future is safe. Pass legislation well before the administration’s March deadline. We all stand by efforts that improve our immigration system and enhance border security. Moreover, these young people deserve dignity and long-term certainty, including an achievable pathway to legal status.
Sincerely,
Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute
Aluminum Association
American Wire Producers Association
AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology
Association of Pool and Spa Professionals
Association of Washington Business
Global Cold Chain Alliance
Greater North Dakota Chamber
INDA, The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
International Fragrance Association North America
International Housewares Association
Leading Builders of America
Michigan Manufacturers Association
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
Missouri Association of Manufacturers
National Association of Manufacturers
National Marine Manufacturers Association
NC Chamber
Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Nevada Manufacturers Assn
New Jersey Business & Industry Association
New Mexico Business Coalition
Ohio Manufacturers’ Association
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute
Resilient Floor Covering Institute
SNAC International
Texas Association of Business
The Toy Association
Vinyl Siding Institute
Brian Raymond
