NAM praises Senate immigration reform legislation

Association: “We are on the right track and moving forward”

April 17, 2013

The National Association of Manufacturers has thrown its support behind comprehensive immigration reform legislation. The bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate, and media reports suggest the bill has gained support for a large group of senators from both parties.

In a press release, NAM said the legislation, “Is a thoughtful and positive step that addresses the real reforms necessary for the United States to succeed. For manufacturers, this means fixing our broken system in a way that strengthens our economy and grows our workforce without displacing American workers.”

“This country depends on a strong manufacturing economy, and a strong manufacturing economy relies on a top-notch workforce,” said Caterpillar Inc. chairman and CEO and NAM board chair Doug Oberhelman. “In today’s competitive global marketplace, small and large manufacturers in the United States need workers at every skill level. That is why you see more manufacturers than ever before engaging on this issue. Immigration reform needs to work for manufacturers and our employees, not against us.”

The bill was crafted by a bipartisan group of senstors, including Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), John McCain (R-AZ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Dick Durbin (D-IL).

“There is momentum behind this reform because it is desperately needed not only to make the United States more competitive, but also because it is the right thing to do,” said NAM president and CEO Jay Timmons. “The senators in the Gang of Eight have shown leadership and perseverance. In meetings with them, we have stressed manufacturers’ needs, and we look forward to providing further input as the final bill is perfected. This is only the beginning, but we are on the right track and moving forward.”