On Nov. 20, President Obama addressed the nation to announce sweeping reforms to our current immigration system. Failing to heed the calls of Republicans in the House and Senate, the president once again circumvented the legislative process with executive action. His unilateral and temporary expansion of certain programs jeopardizes a long-term fix to our immigration system that is workable for our economy and national security. 

On May 23, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (S. 744), which addresses many of the key elements needed for immigration reform. It includes a template for a new lesser-skilled temporary worker program; a mechanism for the undocumented population to earn legal status after being screened and paying a penalty; and a mandatory employment verification system for all employers.

ABC May 14 responded to the Senate Judiciary Committee mark-up of a section of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act (S. 744) by supporting an amendment that would allow all industries, including construction, equal access to temporary worker visas.

All employers are required to use the revised I-9 Form beginning May 7. Employers who fail to use the new form (revision date 03/08/13) on or after that date may be subject to penalties. 

The U.S. Senate “Gang of Eight” April 16 unveiled a plan for comprehensive immigration reform that fails to include a guest worker program that would meet the needs of the construction industry.

The U.S. Senate “Gang of Eight” April 16 unveiled a plan for comprehensive immigration reform that fails to include a guest worker program that would meet the needs of the construction industry.

The U.S. Senate “Gang of Eight” April 16 unveiled a plan for comprehensive immigration reform that fails to include a guest worker program that would meet the needs of the construction industry.

ABC, in conjunction with five other construction groups, April 3 expressed concern that the Senate “Gang of Eight” deal on a temporary guest worker program repeats mistakes of previous, failed attempts at immigration reform. The “Gang of Eight is a bipartisan group of Senators working on comprehensive immigration reform.

ABC, in conjunction with five other construction groups, April 3 expressed concern that the Senate “Gang of Eight” deal on a temporary guest worker program repeats mistakes of previous, failed attempts at immigration reform. The “Gang of Eight is a bipartisan group of Senators working on comprehensive immigration reform.

ABC March 13 joined five other construction groups to send a letter to members of the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Workforce Protections outlining the features of a successful guestworker program in response to a hearing, "Examining the Role of Lower-Skilled Guest Worker Programs in Today's Economy.” 

ABC March 13 joined five other construction groups to send a letter to members of the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Workforce Protections outlining the features of a successful guestworker program in response to a hearing, "Examining the Role of Lower-Skilled Guest Worker Programs in Today's Economy.” 

ABC, in conjunction with four other construction groups, advocated for a reasonable and balanced approach to comprehensive immigration reform in a Feb. 22 letter sent to the “Gang of Eight,” a bipartisan group of Senators working on the same issue. The letterwas signed by ABC, Associated General Contractors, Leading Builders of America, National Association of Home Builders and National Roofing Contractors Association.

ABC, in conjunction with four other construction groups, advocated for a reasonable and balanced approach to comprehensive immigration reform in a Feb. 22 letter sent to the “Gang of Eight,” a bipartisan group of Senators working on the same issue. The letterwas signed by ABC, Associated General Contractors, Leading Builders of America, National Association of Home Builders and National Roofing Contractors Association.