HOUSE REPUBLICAN PLAN TO PROCEED WITH IMMIGRATION REFORM SHOULD PROVIDE NEEDED REFORMS TO BROKEN AND DYSFUNCTIONAL SYSTEM

“Desperately Needed” Immigration Reform Should Include Greater Opportunities for Construction Workers, Especially In Areas Experiencing Workforce Shortages

WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 31, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in response to House Republicans’ announcement today that they will pursue immigration reform legislation this year:

“The fact that House Republicans have decided to make immigration reform a top priority for the year is a sign that they appreciate the fact that addressing this issue is crucial to our overall economic vitality. For too long, the federal government’s broken and dysfunctional approach to immigration abdicated the responsibility of enforcement to employers.

“Desperately needed immigration reform should make it easier for well-intentioned employers to comply, while providing new opportunity for countless thousands of hard working men and women eager to help build a stronger future for our country.

“We look forward to working with leaders in both parties to ensure that immigration reform becomes a reality in 2014. At the same time, we will work aggressively to ensure that any final measure provides sufficient opportunity for construction workers to enter into the domestic workforce, especially in areas of the country where firms are having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to fill positions.”