The Vermont Chamber signed a letter to members of Congress urging them to make immigration reform a top priority to address the workforce crisis. Vermont employers of all sizes and across all industries are facing chronic workforce shortages that significantly limit the ability of their businesses to grow. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, the vast shortcomings of our legal immigration system are a key contributing factor as to why employers are struggling to recruit and retain talent. In addition to the Vermont Chamber, the letter was supported by 430 business associations from all 50 states, spanning a host of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, restaurants, hospitality, retail, construction, agriculture, engineering, and food processing, among others.

Vermont businesses would welcome immigration reform solutions such as suspending the cap on H-2B visas until the domestic labor force stabilizes, expediting interviews for J-1 applicants supporting the hospitality industry, and applying a blanket National Interest Exemption to all existing J-1 visa holders when they seek admission to the U.S. at a port of entry. As advocates for advancing the Vermont economy, we recognize the wasted opportunity that failed national immigration policy has caused. Breakdowns in our immigration system, deliberately imposed or resulting from inaction discourage economic activity, and restrict workforce development. An immigration system that meets the needs of our economy and reflects Vermont’s values is essential to ensuring an economically secure future for Vermont.

The full letter and list of signatories are available, here.