Dive summary:
- The bottom line from groups representing the commercial and residential construction industries is that they are going to be harmed by the most-recent immigration-reform proposals that single out construction for different – and fewer – guest worker visas.
- A group of U.S. senators known as the Gang of Eight – four Republicans and four Democrats – has been trying to assemble a plan that can get enough support in the Senate and House to pass, and the current form sets tougher limits for construction workers, including limiting visas to less-skilled positions.
- Associated General Contractors of America, in reporting on the industry groups' efforts, blamed successful lobbying by trade unions for construction being singled out.
From the article:
The building trades unions have used their influence with Democratic Senators to significantly limit the opportunity for construction firms to utilize a guest worker program. ...
