Washington, D.C. — The president this week invited foreign companies to invest in the United States and said they should bring technically skilled workers legally, including to hire and train American workers.
“[W]e will make it quickly and legally possible for you to do so,” he wrote.
His comments followed last week’s raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia in which hundreds of South Korean nationals were detained, raising diplomatic concerns with a major strategic partner of the U.S.
“We agree with the president: Let’s make the legal immigration system work so that Americans benefit and companies aren’t squeezed,” said Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum. “Dysfunction in our immigration system poses problems for many companies in a position to make investments.
“U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should prioritize serving customers and processing visas and work authorization documents in a timely manner. Congress and the president should make it easier for companies to invest in the U.S., for example by reforming visas and making the visa process faster.
“These kinds of reforms will benefit the American economy, companies and workers at a time when some employers are facing workforce challenges. We hope that President Trump will take concrete steps to support fixing the system.”