MADISON – President Donald Trump unveiled a plan to reform U.S. immigration policy on Thursday, which would include making changes to how immigrant visas are granted. Under the President’s proposal, more priority would be given to immigrants who have the skills needed to fill open positions in key industries. Following the announcement, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) President & CEO Kurt Bauer released the following statement:
“We applaud President Trump for taking a critical first step in reforming our immigration system, while also proposing a solution to the prolonged workforce shortage we are facing in Wisconsin and around the country. As birthrates hit a 32-year low in 2018, policymakers need to find additional ways to bring more people to the U.S. who have the skills to fill open positions. Simply put, sound immigration policy is also sound economic policy.
“It is no coincidence that about three-quarters of Wisconsin businesses are having trouble finding workers and a nearly identical percentage also support immigration reform to grow our workforce. That is why WMC has consistently called for the President and Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform that would tackle both our population and skills gaps. We look forward to working with the White House and the Wisconsin congressional delegation on this important issue.”
