Thread: FL: Businesses Pressure for Immigration Fix

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4574182.html

Feb. 22, 2007, 5:03PM
Businesses Pressur for Immigration Fix

— CLEARWATER, Fla. _ When it comes to immigration, Florida gets slammed on all sides, business leaders said Thursday, as they laid ground for a statewide industry coalition to push for comprehensive immigration reform.

In many ways, Florida represents a microcosm of all immigration issues facing the U.S. Some state business leaders want access to more skilled workers to feed Florida's booming high tech industry. Some want the U.S. to do more to welcome wealthy foreigners looking to study, retire or invest here. Still others want a temporary worker program and an avenue to legalize unskilled workers.

Those in the tourist industry want changes at both ends.

"Immigration affects both our visitors and our workers," said Candace Rodatz Barners, head of government relations for Universal Orlando Resort.

She said the company is worried both about ensuring it hires only legal workers and about ensuring foreigners who want to visit the resort can obtain visas.

During a daylong conference in Clearwater, more than 50 business leaders agreed on the need for a louder and more unified Florida business voice to pressure politicians in Washington.

"This is the first time we have a lot of these folks in the same room on this issue," said Victoria Zepp, of the conservative watchdog group, Florida TaxWatch, which hosted the event.

Zepp said her group would begin organizing the coalition next week.

Because many of the state's Republican and Democratic politicians already support comprehensive reform, Florida's delegation can play a major role on the issue, said Washington, D.C.-based attorney Laura Reiff, an immigration expert who attended the meeting.

But she also said a finite window exists before the 2008 presidential campaign heats up and warned that even politicians who support reform may not push for it unless they hear from constituents.

The meeting comes as business leaders in a growing number of states are joining the immigration debate. In recent months, Texas, Arizona and California, home to some of the nation's largest immigrant populations, have created business coalitions to push for reform.

While the need for workers and the fear of Homeland Security crackdowns were top issues Thursday, loss of investment was equally on the minds of Florida business leaders.

"It's becoming increasingly difficult for Latin Americans to visit their money in the U.S.," joked Manuel Mencia, Senior Vice President of the nonprofit government and business consortium Enterprise Florida.

Others said fewer foreign patients _ who generally pay cash rather than rely on insurance _ are seeking treatment in the U.S. due to visa constraints.

The number of international tourists to the U.S. dropped 16 percent between 2000 and 2005, with a 27 percent drop in Florida, according to the U.S. Commerce Department.

"If tourism softens, the state economy softens. Maybe then political leadership might pay attention," said Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Vice President Richard Turner.

It ain't over till your brother counts the votes.......