Retail Industry Urges Bipartisan Solutions for DACA, H-1B

By [ Evan Armstrong ]
Washington, DC
02/18/2021

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) issued the following statement from Director of Government Affairs Joe Williamson in response to the Biden administration’s newly released immigration reform plan.

“Our nation’s immigration laws are long overdue for an overhaul, and we are hopeful that a plan on the table leads to bipartisan dialogue. Leading retailers are eager to see immigration policy that provides long-term certainty for DACA recipients, as well as a modernization of the H-1B visa program.

“Dreamers are part of the social fabric of America and part of the retail family; they deserve dignity, respect, and a clear legal pathway to citizenship. While we welcomed President Biden’s earlier executive order providing DACA recipients immediate protection, a more permanent solution is needed.

“Similarly, the highly skilled recipients of H1-B visas are increasingly integral parts of the retail workforce that help retailers meet the demands of today. In addition to upskilling their current workforces and engaging a new generation of tech students, retailers rely on the H-1B program to apply for highly skilled and educated foreign workers, particularly in growing online and tech capabilities in a highly competitive labor market.

“Retailers welcome the opportunity to work with Congress and the administration on establishing a more inclusive and commonsense immigration policy.”

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RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.