Building an Innovative Workforce
Retail leaders are investing in workforce innovation, collaboration, and inclusive policies that strengthen the retail workforce and support thriving communities.
Retailers support commonsense immigration policies that allow businesses to retain talented employees and access specialized global talent. RILA advocates for permanent protections for DACA recipients and responsible administration of programs like H-1B visas that help strengthen the retail workforce.
The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) strongly supports the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. We continue to advocate for a permanent solution for the individuals who qualify to live and work in the United States under its umbrella. DACA recipients are key contributors to the U.S. workforce and economy and valued members of the retail family. Advocating for their ability to remain in the U.S. legally is a top policy priority for RILA and its members.
Retailers rely on the H-1B visa program to attract educated, specialized workers to help meet labor demands that domestic workers cannot fully meet. By providing access to global talent, the program helps U.S. businesses stay competitive and drive growth in sectors like e-commerce, logistics, and technology driven-retail. As the retail industry expands its digital capabilities, the effective and transparent administration of the H-1B visa program is essential for retailers to secure top-tier tech talent and compete globally.
A well-balanced and effective immigration policy is essential to securing the United States’ economic future. While leading retailers remain committed to complying with federal immigration laws, they continue to face challenges posed by the current system. A more streamlined and secure legal immigration process will help businesses remain competitive, drive economic growth, and contribute to stronger, safer communities.
Explore additional policy priorities within the Retail Works for All of Us framework shaping innovation, opportunity, and economic growth across the retail industry.
Retail leaders are investing in workforce innovation, collaboration, and inclusive policies that strengthen the retail workforce and support thriving communities.
Retail leaders are advancing policies that support workforce innovation, flexible employment models, and new opportunities for millions of Americans working across the retail industry.
Retail leaders are innovating employee health benefits, promoting preventive care, and advocating for policies that strengthen employer-sponsored coverage and support working families.