Immigrant Talent: Bridging the Labor Gap and Fast-tracking Work Permits

There are currently over 9.5 million job openings in the United States, yet only 6.5 million workers remain unemployed. Sectors such as transportation, manufacturing, hospitality, retail, and healthcare are grappling with acute shortages, a challenge further compounded by the fact that these industries have traditionally relied heavily on Latino immigrants for their workforce. The looming absence of comprehensive immigration reform policies threatens to exacerbate these shortages, creating a pressing need for strategies to integrate, attract, and retain immigrant labor. In the session, industry leaders, advocates, and policymakers will delve into the intricate dynamics of labor shortages, placing a spotlight on the indispensable role played by immigrants in these key sectors.