FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Matthew Haller, 202-662-0770
Jenna Weisbord, 202-662-0766
mhaller@franchise.org
jweisbord@franchise.org
IFA APPLAUDS SENATE PASSAGE OF COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM
WASHINGTON, June 27, 2013 – International Franchise Association President & CEO Steve Caldeira released the following statement in response to the Senate’s passage of The Border Security and Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013.
“We are pleased that an immigration bill passed the Senate today with bipartisan support. For years, IFA has worked hard to ensure immigration reform meets the needs of franchise owners, as franchising continues to grow and expand our economy. The ‘Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 works to address many of the current and future labor needs of our businesses, while offering opportunity to improve upon the bill in some key areas, such as a better e-verify program and strengthened w-visa language, in a conference committee.
“While we welcome a federal e-verify system and the inclusion of the w-visa in the final Senate bill, we believe stronger e-verify language, such as H.R. 1772, should ultimately be included in a final comprehensive immigration reform law, given it would provide stronger protections to employers in the hiring process. As such, we will be actively advocating for its passage in the House and to be included in a final comprehensive House-Senate conference committee bill. We also hope the W visa provisions can be strengthened in conference.”
Throughout this year, IFA has hosted nationwide business roundtables to bring together franchisors and franchisees to discuss how comprehensive immigration reform can help the industry create more jobs. At each roundtable, IFA members and franchisees outlined why a diverse workforce and a smart e-verify system is critical in any legislation. These timely conversations brought real business perspectives into Washington.
When America’s 825,000 franchise establishments and the countless small business owners who rely on immigrant workers thrive, the rest of the economy grows with it. Immigrants add value as essential workers, new customers and job-creating entrepreneurs.
“Meaningful reform will allow the United States of America to remain competitive and usher in a new era of prosperity. Our country offers the opportunity to achieve what’s unachievable in other parts of the world.”
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About the International Franchise Association
The International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. Celebrating over 50 years of excellence, education and advocacy, IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising. Through its media awareness campaign highlighting the theme, Franchising: Building Local Businesses, One Opportunity at a Time, IFA promotes the economic impact of the more than 825,000 franchise establishments, which support nearly 18 million jobs and $2.1 trillion of economic output for the U.S. economy. IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law and business development.
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