May 30, 2023 -- Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) and Veronica Escobar (D-Tex.) introduced sweeping legislation last week, the Dignity Act (H.R. 3599), that addresses our nation’s broken immigration system. The American Pipeline Contractors Association supports this bill as a workable compromise that tackles the critical worker shortage significantly impeding the pipeline construction industry and the entire American economy.
"Our industry urgently needs workers to continue delivering clean energy across America and around the world, and we're not alone. The lack of labor is holding back growth throughout the American economy," APCA President Roy Weaver, Weaver, LLC, said. "Our leaders in Washington must find solutions by reaching a compromise that addresses the workforce issue while also investing heavily in border security and overhauling our failed asylum processes."
"No single piece of legislation is going to please all sides, but we believe the Dignity Act is a well-balanced, common-sense approach that focuses our serious immigration challenges. APCA will support this bill because it's good for pipeline construction and it's good for America."
The Dignity Act consists of four core principles:
1. Stopping illegal immigration,
2. Providing a dignified solution for undocumented immigrants living in America,
3. Strengthening the American workforce and economy, and
4. Ensuring the United States remain prosperous and competitive in the future.
“Our broken immigration system is frustrating Americans, causing people to suffer, and fracturing our country—economically, morally, socially, and politically. A solution is long overdue,” Rep. Salazar said. “I am proud to introduce the new and improved, bipartisan Dignity Act. This bill gives dignity to the border agents who need support, the job creators who need employees, the American people who need secure borders, and those who currently live in the shadows.”
Learn more about the Dignity Act at https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-and-escobar-introduce-bipartisan-dignity-act.
APCA represents merit-shop construction firms, manufacturers, and suppliers who build and maintain interstate natural gas and oil pipeline systems throughout the United States.
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