Opinion: Anti-immigration laws, policies hurting American businesses
Have you noticed an increase in restaurant prices lately? Restaurants are not just businesses; they are the heart and soul of our communities.
For generations, immigrant families have enriched our dining experiences, bringing their diverse traditions and cultures to our tables. This sector has long been a sanctuary for immigrants, helping them to forge new lives and realize the American Dream.
Unfortunately, the flaws in our current immigration system hinder these contributions. An anti-immigrant stance is fundamentally anti-business, undercutting a sector pivotal to our economy and cultural life. It is imperative that Congress enact comprehensive immigration reform, and Oklahoma needs to play a significant role in these efforts.
Three years post-COVID-19 pandemic, the economic incentive to overhaul this system has never been clearer. Legal immigration is crucial to fostering a robust workforce, essential for our continued growth and prosperity.
The National Restaurant Association and the Oklahoma Restaurant Association advocates for bipartisan, sensible immigration reforms based on the following principles:
1. Providing a pathway to legalization: With over 11 million undocumented individuals who contribute significantly to our economy, it is critical to offer a clear path to legalization.
Of the undocumented population, about two-thirds (66%) have been in the U.S. for at least a decade, according to a Pew Research Center report in 2018. That is up from 41% in 2007, showing a majority of this population wants to make their home in our country long-term. They need a route to make that happen.
Allowing a legal pathway is a move widely supported by the public and would allow these valuable workers to fully integrate into our economic fabric without the constant threat of deportation.
2. Creating a viable essential worker program: The restaurant industry thrives on the diversity and dedication of immigrant workers. We propose a new visa program that matches willing workers with willing employers, facilitating legal year-round employment for foreign-born workers in the service sector.
Throughout my 25 years in the hospitality industry, I've witnessed firsthand the indispensable contributions of co-workers who were born into or came to this country under challenging circumstances. Their resilience and commitment embody the spirit of the American Dream and are vital to the success of every establishment I've been part of.
U.S. Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma has been a key advocate for comprehensive immigration reform. Despite the often-divisive nature of politics, we must rally support for these reforms, showing that being pro-business is synonymous with being pro-immigrant.
The restaurant industry, heavily impacted by the pandemic, urgently needs a stable, dependable workforce to recover and expand. Effective immigration reform will ensure that restaurants nationwide have access to the labor they need to prosper, which will in turn stimulate economic growth, enrich our communities, and preserve the rich mosaic of cultural contributions that define American cuisine.
In conclusion, opposing immigration reform is not merely a political stance — it is a stance against business. For the restaurant industry and many others, fixing our broken immigration system is essential for a sustainable and prosperous future.
It is time for Congress to act, implementing sensible immigration policies that reflect our nation's values and needs. Let's unite in support of this critical cause, ensuring that our communities and businesses continue to thrive.
[R. Jared Jordan / Tulsa World]
