U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz is promising to explore innovative pathways for migrants seeking legal work in the construction sector. The Edinburg Republican announced her intention to engage with the U.S. Department of Labor after builders in South Texas expressed their frustration over the adverse effects of immigration arrests at construction sites.
De La Cruz proposed that the U.S. establish a unique visa program for construction workers, similar to the H-2A program that permits foreign workers to join the agricultural workforce.
We’d like to see where the construction industry would fit, De La Cruz stated. This comes in light of President Trump's administration, which ramped up deportations and saw over 9,100 arrests in South Texas within the last year alone.
They elected me to be their voice in Washington, D.C., even if it conflicts with the Trump administration's stance on immigration, added De La Cruz. My priority is to ensure South Texas remains prosperous.
The discussion on creating a new category for legal migrant workers marks a shift from the stringent immigration policies that many Republicans have previously endorsed, as they now seek a middle ground to accommodate industry needs.
In September, Rep. Lloyd Smucker reintroduced the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act, intended to create a new visa category specifically for non-agricultural workers.
De La Cruz's initiative gained momentum after a meeting with the South Texas Builders Association, where construction industry leaders expressed concern about their rights during ICE operations at job sites. Mario Guerrero, executive director of the association, emphasized the need for clarity regarding ICE enforcement rules, saying, We need to understand what rights we have during these raids.
The fear of ICE raids has deterred workers across various industries, causing significant slowdowns, particularly in construction. In light of this situation, De La Cruz has extended her support for new immigration measures aimed at protecting these workers and ensuring the stability of the construction sector.
This isn't the first time De La Cruz has pushed for immigration reform. Previously, she brought forth the Bracero 2.0 bill, which aimed to modify the H-2A visa program to better suit labor demands in agriculture. Despite lacking a vote, the Department of Homeland Security made strides to streamline application processes for H-2A workers, indicating ongoing discussions around immigration policy reform.
De La Cruz proposed that the U.S. establish a unique visa program for construction workers, similar to the H-2A program that permits foreign workers to join the agricultural workforce.
We’d like to see where the construction industry would fit, De La Cruz stated. This comes in light of President Trump's administration, which ramped up deportations and saw over 9,100 arrests in South Texas within the last year alone.
They elected me to be their voice in Washington, D.C., even if it conflicts with the Trump administration's stance on immigration, added De La Cruz. My priority is to ensure South Texas remains prosperous.
The discussion on creating a new category for legal migrant workers marks a shift from the stringent immigration policies that many Republicans have previously endorsed, as they now seek a middle ground to accommodate industry needs.
In September, Rep. Lloyd Smucker reintroduced the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act, intended to create a new visa category specifically for non-agricultural workers.
De La Cruz's initiative gained momentum after a meeting with the South Texas Builders Association, where construction industry leaders expressed concern about their rights during ICE operations at job sites. Mario Guerrero, executive director of the association, emphasized the need for clarity regarding ICE enforcement rules, saying, We need to understand what rights we have during these raids.
The fear of ICE raids has deterred workers across various industries, causing significant slowdowns, particularly in construction. In light of this situation, De La Cruz has extended her support for new immigration measures aimed at protecting these workers and ensuring the stability of the construction sector.
This isn't the first time De La Cruz has pushed for immigration reform. Previously, she brought forth the Bracero 2.0 bill, which aimed to modify the H-2A visa program to better suit labor demands in agriculture. Despite lacking a vote, the Department of Homeland Security made strides to streamline application processes for H-2A workers, indicating ongoing discussions around immigration policy reform.
