|
Illinois Restaurant Association Hosts Gov. Pritzker, Sen. Durbin, Mayor Johnson and Others
The IRA hosted Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Sen. Richard Durbin, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and members of the IL Congressional delegation and other distinguished guests. During a press conference, public officials joined the American Business Immigration Coalition Action, business and immigrant community leaders, and the IRA to urge President Biden to use his existing legal authority to expand work authorizations for long term immigrant contributors and new immigrants to address the labor shortage crisis.
“We believe in a pathway to legalization or an essential worker program for the more than 11 million undocumented individuals that can work, pay taxes and contribute to the economy and their communities,” said Sam Toia.
The proposed expansion of work permits for immigrants is allowed under current law if doing so would provide a “significant public benefit.” Ending the labor shortage would benefit thenation by helping to increase productivity and stem inflation.
In Illinois, about 14% of the total population are immigrants. They make up about 16% of the state’s workforce, with Chicagoland immigrants making up nearly 30% of all business owners. Immigrants also greatly contribute to Illinois' food and hospitality industry, representing more than 20% of its workforce. Additionally, 395,000 U.S. citizens in Illinois live with at least one undocumented family member, and undocumented immigrants made up 5% of Illinois’s workforce in 2016.
The IRA is a founding member the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition (IBIC). The organization has advocated tirelessly for immigration reform and a permanent path to citizenship.
| 
