SEIU and NAM Jointly Urge Congress for Immigration Reform

From the National Association of Manufacturers:

Immigration reform has clearly drawn the interest of a wide and varied group, and I wanted to draw your attention to a letter that represents one of the more unique and interesting partnerships in support of reform. The National Association of Manufacturers and the SEIU have sent a joint letter urging the Senate to get the immigration reform bill across the goal line. It’s one of the strongest indications yet that outside groups are turning conventional wisdom on its head and are willing to do whatever is necessary to see reform passed.

Joe Trauger, NAM’s immigration expert is available for interviews on the partnership and the letter all day today – please contact me to schedule an interview.

To speak with SEIU policy experts, please contact Tyler Prell at (202) 730-7278.

Thank you very much.

 
Text of letter

June 19, 2013

Dear Senators:

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) urge the United State Senate to work toward passage of S.744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act. Our organizations believe this legislation thoughtfully addresses the key aspects of reform necessary to improve and modernize our nation’s broken immigration system.

We are cognizant that partisanship and politics can create paralyzing gridlock, but the Senate has put forward a thoughtful and bipartisan bill – a feat many thought was nearly impossible in recent years. The leadership shown in the Senate by the Gang of Eight is exactly what is necessary to tackle an issue that has vexed policymakers for a generation. The NAM and SEIU believe in the future of the American economy and agree that immigration reform is a key component to its success.

Our organizations are aware that, like any compromise, this bill is not perfect. Both of our organizations will continue to work to make the bill stronger, but we agree that there needs to be an opportunity for the millions of currently undocumented immigrants to earn a chance at citizenship. We also agree there needs to be an employment system to address the future of the American workforce at all skill levels, a workable verification system for employers and confidence that our borders are secured. While our points of view may differ on many issues, we agree that it is important not to squander a chance for real reform to our immigration system.

The National Association of Manufacturers and the Service Employees International Union urge Senators to support the reforms to our broken immigration system embodied by S.744. The United States can compete and prevail in whatever it chooses and we need an immigration system that encourages industriousness and an entrepreneurial spirit that can make our country stronger.

Respectfully,

Jay Timmons President & CEO National Association of Manufacturers
Mary Kay Henry President Service Employees International Union

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