Displaying impressive business support for fixing America's failed system of immigration, 636 trade associations, companies and other groups are calling on Congress to act on reform legislation this year.

In a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives, the business leaders -- including numerous companies headed by Business Roundtable CEOs -- say the recent House Republican Conference's "Standards for Immigration Reform" should serve as a guidepost for action by the current Congress:

We are united in the belief that we can and must do better for our economy and country by modernizing our immigration system. Done properly, reform will deter illegal immigration, protect and complement our U.S. workforce, better respond to changing economic and demographic needs, and generate greater productivity and economic activity, while respecting family unity.

Failure to act is not an option. We cannot afford to be content and watch a dysfunctional immigration system work against our overall national interest. In short, immigration reform is an essential element of a jobs agenda and economic growth. It will add talent, innovation, investment, products, businesses, jobs, and dynamism to our economy.  

Business Roundtable also welcomed the GOP principles when they were released in late January. See "Business Leaders Urge Bipartisan House Action to Advance U.S. Growth, Job Creation and Competitiveness."