Immigration Committee

Policy Principles

• Advocating for a Permanent Legislative Solution for Dreamers

  Business Roundtable strongly opposes a termination of DACA without a viable replacement in place. We urge Congress and the President to work together to enact a legislative solution before this deadline expires. Failure to act would have a significant negative impact on businesses that rely on employees who are here and working lawfully. Business leaders count on those employees to contribute to our enterprises, generate economic growth and create more jobs for Americans. The challenge in finding a solution for those covered temporarily by the DACA program is further evidence of the importance of working together to improve our system.

  Even beyond DACA, it is unrealistic to expect people who have set down roots to leave voluntarily, and large- scale deportation would disrupt the workforce, harm the economy and cost billions of dollars.

  Business Roundtable supports:

  • Allowing undocumented immigrants already residing in the United States to come forward, pay a penalty and undergo a series of requirements to earn legal status, including a security screening and learning English.
  • Enabling individuals who entered the United States as minors and who have been educated in U.S. schools to obtain green cards, subject to appropriate screening and restrictions.
  • Facilitating the integration of immigrants into American society through incentives and programs designed to encourage the learning of English and U.S. history and civics.

• The Development of a Comprehensive, Long-term Immigration Reform Strategy

  • The United States needs sound immigration policies that provide strong border security while also promoting economic growth, supporting U.S. job creation and boosting American competitiveness. Policymakers and business leaders across the political spectrum agree that our current immigration system fails to meet these standards.

  Business Roundtable applauds lawmakers from both parties who are working in good faith to reform our immigration system in a comprehensive way. Resolving these issues in a manner that reflects American values will boost our economy and is right for our society.

• Enactment of Realistic Immigration Solutions which Both Strengthen National Security and Boost Economic Growth

  America is a nation of immigrants. It is also governed by the rule of law. Today’s U.S. immigration system fails to honor those values.

  The time has come for realistic immigration solutions that will both strengthen national security and boost economic growth. America needs an immigration system that places more resources toward enforcement of laws, produces a more dynamic and skilled labor force, and enables U.S. businesses and workers to compete more effectively in the global marketplace. Getting reform right is essential to a healthier economy — accelerating growth, encouraging hiring and creating jobs.

  That is why, as American business leaders, the Business Roundtable proposes common sense solutions that will better secure U.S. borders; provide for consistent enforcement of laws; and encourage immigrants to come here legally, work hard and contribute to America As outlined in Business Roundtable's report "Taking Action on Immigration: Realistic Solutions for Fixing a Broken System", these solutions include:

  
  

  Improving Security and Enforcing Immigration Laws

  • Eliminate the magnet of illegal employment.
  • Pursue more effective strategies to secure American borders and ports of entry.
  • Provide for consistent and effective enforcement of immigration laws across the country.

  Welcoming Legal Immigrant Workers To Contribute to America

  • Increase the number of highly educated immigrants permitted to work legally in the United States each year.
  • Establish a workable legal system for those who may not have higher education but are needed for specific sectors, including agriculture, hospitality and construction.

  Finding a Solution for Unauthorized Immigrants and Integrating Immigrants into Society

  • Allow those unauthorized immigrants already residing here to come forward, pay a penalty and earn a legal status.
  • Facilitate the integration of immigrants into American society.