Immigration: issues and perspectives for businesses.

Most of us have a story within our own family that tells of our personal dealings with immigration. For some, it may be our grandparents' story; for others, our parents'; for still others, it is our own story of immigration into the United States.

Almost everyone can relate to the immigration issue in one way or another. The topic often provokes a lot of emotion, and has recently garnered a lot of attention on Capitol Hill and in the press. Immigrants are also having more of an impact on the economy than ever before through the sheer power of their large numbers. The changes are especially noticeable in areas of the country that a few years ago did not have many immigrants.

We need to gain a better understanding of this issue and prepare for any effects immigrants may have on business. While not aiming to tackle all the issues raised by this complex topic, there are a few Capitol Hill perspectives I'd like to share.

Most recently, there have been two approaches to illegal immigration in Congress. The House of Representatives' view focuses on border control and law enforcement, while the Senate's approach, in part, emphasizes the work employers should do to monitor the workplace.

As always, Democrats and Republicans differ. For example, in late May, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) commented on the Senate bill, saying, "Unfortunately, the United States Senate today let the American people down by passing a deeply flawed bill that gives the illegal alien population every benefit this nation can bestow, and increases future legal immigration levels by three to five times the current level."

In contrast, Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) notes on his website that "we need realistic and comprehensive solutions that will protect our borders, enable temporary workers to enter the country legally, and allow workers already here to earn legal status." In March, Kennedy also noted, "Immigrants have built this country and helped make it great. They have provided the labor and the services that are the bedrock of our economy. To our opponents who say so casually, 'Turn them into criminals,' we reply, 'Turn them into Americans."

The House is holding hearings on several of the immigration issues that have been raised, such as the impact on American workers and the role of the English language, illegal immigration and the burden placed on the Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and if the agency would be overtaxed by the provisions of the Senate bill. Some say that these are mere political games in what is expected to be a heated election year.

To many, immigration issues revolve around economic arguments, such as the fact that immigrants will often work for lower wages. There is also a very emotional side to immigration. For some, there is always the concern that immigrants will take work away from native workers.

Immigration can indeed be good for business by supplying labor at reasonable rates, though the concern is often that immigrants are paid substandard wages. Businesses are, of course, concerned with hiring illegals, especially given the Senate proposals, which would place more emphasis on employers verifying that employees are legal immigrants.

However, with the work ethic that many immigrants bring to the U.S.--and with many immigrants already holding down two and three jobs--businesses are often getting a vital lift.

If they haven't done so, companies must begin thinking about the impacts immigrants will have on their business and how they can plan for changes. For example, manufacturing or building-sector firms may find a growing labor pool due to the increasing tide of Hispanic immigrants, who tend to work in these areas. If every company is prepared for change, it will make the immigration impact much more beneficial for all.

Immigration should be looked at as a way to improve our economy and use all of our resources in the best possible way. The work ethic of immigrants should surely be rewarded. Hopefully, Congress will pass legislation that is fair to businesses and protects immigrants at the same time.

It is important that we continue to encourage those who want to come to the U.S. to do so legally and to continue contributing to our economy. As with many issues in an election year, it is possible that the immigration topic will be turned into a political football, and many say this is already the case. Nevertheless, immigrants will continue to come, so one way or another we will need to address all of these issues.

Serena Davila ([e-mail]) is Director of Private Companies for FEI and is based in the Washington, D.C., office.

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