U.S. Chamber of Commerce Launches American Alliance for Workforce and Border Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today announced the launch of the American Alliance for Workforce and Border Security, a broad coalition of more than 300 state and local chambers and associations supporting bipartisan immigration reforms that uphold the rule of law while ensuring the U.S. economy has access to the workforce it needs to grow and remain competitive.

With the southern border now secure, the Alliance is calling on political leaders to focus on the next urgent challenge: a deepening workforce shortage that threatens America's economic growth, global competitiveness, and long-term fiscal health while ensuring that reforms are paired with investment in American-born talent through workforce training and vocational education , which are complementary, not competing, priorities.

"Thanks to President Trump's actions to secure the border, we now have the opportunity to modernize our legal immigration system to meet our current workforce challenges," said Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "Immigration reform has been elusive. But without workers, businesses and our economy cannot grow. It's time to enact targeted, common-sense reforms to modernize our system while continuing to invest in training and education our domestic workforce."

The Alliance urges Congress to advance legislation that:

• Sustains border security and maintains effective enforcement to ensure legal compliance and system credibility
• Updates employment-based immigration programs to address labor shortages across sectors
• Establishes practical case-specific processes for certain long-time workers to obtain legal employment authorization
• Provides employers with reliable, modern tools for verifying work eligibility and compliance

"When Michigan's economy grows, our collective opportunities and communities grow too. A strong talent pipeline is essential to powering that growth while driving innovation and investment. Modernizing our legal immigration system is a critical part of that effort and addressing our state's ongoing workforce shortages," said Jim Holcomb, president & CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. "That's why we are proud to join this broad coalition calling on Congress to advance practical reforms that provide a legal pathway for immigrants who want to pursue the American dream while strengthening our economy and helping keep Michigan and America competitive."

"The Houston region is one of the strongest and most diverse economies in the nation, built upon robust domestic and immigrant populations," said Steve Kean, President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership. It is past time, however, for our federal immigration policies to meet the demands of the 21st century - a secure border and a resilient talent pipeline that enables enhanced job creation, innovation, and economic growth. The Greater Houston Partnership supports the efforts of the American Alliance for Workforce and Border Security to achieve these goals."

"Talent is one of Greater Des Moines' top priorities because employers need a strong workforce in order to grow and remain competitive," said Tiffany Tauscheck, President & CEO of Greater Des Moines Partnership. "We encourage Congress to advance modernized systems and policies that help meet today's workforce needs while supporting long-term economic growth."

America's demographic reality is stark. According to the Congressional Budget Office, U.S. population growth has slowed to just 0.2 percent per year; less than one-fifth the pace from the mid-1970s through the early 2000s. By 2030, deaths are projected to exceed births for the first time in American history. Meanwhile, millions of jobs remain unfilled. Construction projects are delayed. Manufacturers are capped on output. Healthcare systems face chronic staffing shortages.

The U.S. Chamber has long advocated for practical immigration reforms that support national security, economic growth, and the rule of law. By uniting associations and chambers from across America, the Alliance will advance bipartisan solutions that strengthen America's workforce.

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