US Chamber of Commerce Urges Action on Immigration

US Chamber of Commerce Urges Action on Immigration

Politico reported that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce increased pressure on House Republicans to make a move on immigration reform on Tuesday, sending them a letter from more than 600 businesses and other groups urging lawmakers to pass an overhaul this year.

The powerful business lobby spearheaded the letter, which applauded House GOP leaders for releasing a set of reform principles last month. The businesses called on Republicans to build on that, saying: “We can and must do better for our economy and country by modernizing our immigration system.”

“Failure to act is not an option,” the letter reads. “We cannot afford to be content and watch a dysfunctional immigration system work against our overall national interest. In short, immigration reform is an essential element of a jobs agenda and economic growth. It will add talent, innovation, investment, products, businesses, jobs, and dynamism to our economy.”

A chamber spokeswoman said the letter is signed by 246 businesses nationwide, as well as 390 business-oriented organizations.

Conservatives advocating for an immigration overhaul have so far declined to engage in adversarial tactics favored by progressives in the reform movement. But in recent days, the Chamber has stepped up its public advocacy efforts.

In addition to Tuesday’s letter, Chamber President Tom Donohue penned an opinion piece Monday that was set to run in the Weekly Standard and the Washington Examiner, pressing Congress on overhauling the nation’s immigration laws.

Separately, a coalition of Catholics and evangelicals will release a letter Wednesday to prod lawmakers on immigration reform.