If you are not currently an immigrant, it is very likely someone in your family was.
As our Congress kicks its fiscal responsibilities further down the road, they once again fired up the controversial immigration legislation. Through AWCI conventions, committee meetings and business forums, I have been able to visit with fellow contractors, suppliers and manufacturers all over the country. Many have different takes on immigration. Being from California, we employ many hard-working people from Mexico, Central America and South America. In fact, Latinos represent more than 70 percent of our payroll. The same is true for other southern states swinging across to Florida. Talking with fellow contractors in our northern states I have learned some employ fewer than 10 percent, which may contribute to the differing views on immigration legislation.
Many of us agree that we need immigrants to add to our workforce, and likewise immigrants from Latin America want to work here, so why make it so dang hard to work here legally? The “path to citizenship” should be no harder than it was for my great-great-grandparents. Prove you’re not a criminal, willing and able to support yourself, get a legal card, go to work and pay taxes. I’m all for taller longer fences as long as the gate doesn’t have a line two years long.
Last year our company voluntarily signed up for E-Verify, the federal program that cross-checks a worker’s legal status. AWCI members have told me that when they went E-Verify, they had to let go of some otherwise very qualified and loyal workers. Come on, Congress, make it easier for these workers to be workers, in—not out—of the system. Just follow these steps, which are supported by many members of AWCI:
First, tighten the border.
Second, provide an identification card for guest workers.
Third, establish a process for birthright citizenship.
Finally, establish a guest worker visa system for temporary workers.
May you all have a happy Cinco de Mayo!
In addition to being 2013–2014 president of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry, Daley is president of Daley’s Drywall & Taping, Inc., San Jose, Calif.
