In an op-ed in The Washington Times, NumbersUSA Deputy Director Chris Chmielenski explains how Congressional staffers of four Republican Members Congress are planning to double the number of H-2B workers, and how that would hurt the job prospects of American workers.
The Washington Times reported on new findings by the Center for Immigration Studies that 63% of households headed by non-citizens access at least one welfare program, compared to 35% of households headed by U.S. citizens.
Congressional Republicans have reportedly cut a deal to permanently double the number H-2B guest worker visas given out each year. These visas are used by employers to bring in foreign workers to take jobs in landscaping, food service, meat processing, hospitality services, janitorial and housekeeping work, and other lower-skilled, non-agricultural occupations.
President Trump last week reiterated his call for more foreign workers to fill jobs apparently Americans won't do. This was lost in the blow-up between the President and CNN correspondent Jim Acosta. However, it isn't the first time the President has said this, and it isn't true.
Following news stories that President Trump may send a small contingent of troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, the media is now reporting that the President is also considering executive actions to prevent individuals traveling in the “migrant caravan” from Central America from entering the United States.
Christopher Browning, a professor of German history, published a long essay in The New York Review of Books. The topic wasn't a book review but a vituperative attack on President Trump, including a denunciation of those, Trump supporters or not, who seek to restrict immigration. It is shockingly shoddy work by someone of Browning's stature, and any effect it may have will only serve to inflame political passions.
Polling consistently shows that U.S. voters want to reduce the level of annual immigration. NumbersUSA polling in mid-term battleground states found that in all 25 states polled, a strong majority of likely voters prefer cuts to immigration over continuing to hand out one million lifetime work permits annually.
Economic indicators are good. Employment is up and wages are increasing, albeit modestly. Congress can ensure that trend continues by cutting the inflow of foreign workers. The upcoming budget negotiations will show what commitment, if any, leaders in Congress have to improving conditions for American workers.
On this Labor Day, let us consider how much work there is to do to achieve a sustainable immigration system. One that considers the well-being of the American people and the environment.
The Angus Reid Institute, a respected Canadian non-partisan, non-profit organization, found growing support among Canadians for lower annual immigrant admissions. According to their recent poll, 49% of Canadians want a decrease in immigration, the highest number since the question was first asked in 1975.