Group seeks to strengthen job creation and innovation through improved access to international talent
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce today announced its participation in “Business for Skilled Worker Immigration,” a coalition of 39 Chambers of Commerce to date, from across the country working together to advance skilled worker immigration reform as a means of driving job creation, innovation and other economic growth. The coalition will urge Congress to address this important talent issue as part of broader-based immigration reform expected to be taken up this session.
Business for Skilled Worker Immigration represents a strong cross-section of the nation’s business community, with broad geographic diversity among its members. With talent a key driver of the economy, coalition members seek to bring increased focus on the critical challenge of improving access to top international talent. Combined with current programs to strengthen domestic science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) training, the coalition believes its efforts can help improve long-term economic competitiveness.
The group will focus on three specific proposals designed to improve current skilled worker immigration policy:
Increasing the availability of temporary, skilled worker (H-1B) visas;
Increasing the availability of permanent resident visas (green cards) for STEM graduates and workers; and
Creating new startup visas for immigrant entrepreneurs who launch businesses in the U.S. and meet certain employment and financing goals.
“The Chamber is committed to helping our businesses attract and retain local talent. Many international students attend our outstanding local universities and we want to keep that talent local. Now is the right time for immigration reform that will improve employers’ ability to access a deeper talent pool and create opportunities for more entrepreneurs to launch businesses locally and throughout the U.S.,” said Bob Rohrlack, president and CEO of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.
The coalition plans to leverage the increased focus on broader-based immigration reform in Washington to advance immigration issues that are important to the business community. The Chambers who make up Business for Skilled Worker Immigration will engage in lobbying and advocacy efforts with members of Congress and the Administration; using communications activities to raise awareness among key business and government stakeholders, and the general public; and coordination of strategy to maximize the collective impact of efforts to advance skilled worker immigration reform.
A full list of coalition members is below and available on the coalition web page, along with additional information about Business for Skilled Worker Immigration.
Business for Skilled Worker Immigration Coalition Members:
Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce
Allegheny Conference on Community Development
Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Bridgeport Regional Business Council
Buffalo Niagara Partnership
CEO Council for Growth/ Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
Columbus Chamber of Commerce
Detroit Regional Chamber
Fayetteville Regional Chamber
Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce
Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce
Greater Louisville Inc.
Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce
Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce
Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
Lubbock Chamber of Commerce
Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce
Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
Orange County Business Council
Overland Park Chamber of Commerce
Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
Rockford Chamber of Commerce
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce
Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association
The Business Council of Fairfield County
Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
About the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce is committed to serving our members and enhancing our community by building business success. The Chamber provides a greater return on investment and involvement by providing innovative leadership, inside access, influential advocacy and increased opportunities.
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