Thread: Fla. businesses seek debate on immigration

http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/ ... 761632.htm

Posted on Fri, Feb. 23, 2007

Fla. businesses seek debate on immigration
MAURA POSSLEY
Herald Staff Writer

CLEARWATER - Business groups hope to be the catalyst for a comprehensive immigration reform debate in Congress this spring.

Lobbyists and immigration experts spoke to a group of about 75 business leaders at a Thursday summit on immigration's impact on business, sponsored by Florida TaxWatch.

They hope to pave the way for a grassroots effort in Florida that will force lawmakers to take up the issue.

"If Congress doesn't hear that business wants it done, it's not going to get done," said Tamar Jacoby, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research based in Washington, D.C. "If they're going to think about anyone, it's business."

Organizers hoped Thursday's summit would encourage business groups to unite as have those in other states such as Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Tennessee and Georgia.

Florida was characterized as a unique mix - a microcosm of the nationwide dilemma involving more than 10 million undocumented immigrants.

"Business has not been playing in proportion to its stake," Jacoby said. "Real people in real states have a different voice in Washington."

International business, tourism and the number of international students have declined in the state, leaders said. Reforms need to address the loss of money that is being spent elsewhere.

"We're all going to be in trouble when people stop coming here," said Eileen Forrow, vice president of sales for VISIT FLORIDA, the state's tourism marketing agency.

In other industries like agriculture and construction, the climate has left business owners short-handed, in need of a policy that allows immigrants to work in the United States without fear, said Sid Florey, division manager for Hubbard's Construction Co., in Orlando.

Historically, Florey said, his construction company has overwhelmingly been driven by laborers of Latino descent because they are willing to do the work. Without them, prices will rise and production will fall.

"The work is hard. It's not the type of work you're used to doing," he said. "This is a real issue for us."

Reforms, attendees agreed, have to include an efficient temporary worker program and a quick system for employers to identify the status of workers.

But the window for legislation is small and approaching fast, before the kickoff of the 2008 presidential election that would put immigration reform on a back burner, said Laura Reiff, an attorney in Washington, D.C., with Greenberg Traurig and part of the firm's business immigration group.

This year's immigration debate will include a temporary guest worker program with left-wing groups opposed due to fear of worker exploitation, said Kelly Hunt, manager of immigration policy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Lobbyists hope by August, President Bush will have an immigration reform bill to sign. Reiff said within the next week, a draft of reform legislation is expected, with a bill being introduced in the Senate soon after.

Maura Possley, Herald reporter, can be reached at 748-0411, ext. 2640, or at mpossley@Bradenton.com.

her industries like agriculture and construction, the climate has left business owners short-handed, in need of a policy that allows immigrants to work in the United States without fear, said Sid Florey, division manager for Hubbard's Construction Co., in Orlando.

what BS, can't find construction workers huh, you mean they can't find them at the rate of pay they want!! scum bags!!