Time for White House to Elaborate on President’s Pro-Growth Immigration Agenda

(Arlington, VA) – In an interview yesterday, the president again called for an increase in the number of immigrants admitted to the United States on work visas: “…because of the success of the country economically… I blame myself, but that’s a good blame not a bad blame—but because of the country’s success and you need workers here. You do need workers.” This marked the fifth time in recent weeks that the president has specifically spoken of the need for more immigrant workers. These include the State of the Union address, a February Cabinet meeting, his speech at CPAC, and at a meeting of the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board. These comments come at a time of historic low unemployment, and when millions of jobs remain unfilled around the country.

Daniel Garza, President of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:

“The president is 100 percent correct. Talented and hard-working immigrants have made tremendous contributions to our country and its economy throughout our history. They continue to do so today – despite a broken immigration system that is all too often unworkable. Increasing admissions of consistent contributors will help our economy – especially in areas and industries where American workers are unavailable.

 

“It’s time to begin to modernize our deeply flawed system of employment and skills-based visas to help our economy and to ensure that America derives all it can from the talents and contributions of workers who seek to come here from abroad. Doing so will not only help our economy, it will help reduce incentives for unlawful immigration. We are eager to see the White House translate the president’s views into concrete legislation, and we stand ready to work with anyone to ensure our visa system is updated and reformed to expand our economy and help American workers and businesses.”

For interviews with a representative from The LIBRE Initiative, please contact Brian Faughnan, 202-805-1581 or Wadi Gaitan, 202-853-4433

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