U.S. Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz is advocating for new legal avenues for migrant workers in the construction industry. During a recent announcement in McAllen, Texas, she expressed her commitment to addressing the labor shortages in this sector.
Advocating for Legal Status for Migrant Construction Workers
De La Cruz, a Republican representing Edinburg, plans to meet with the U.S. Department of Labor. This initiative follows feedback from South Texas builders about immigration arrests at construction sites damaging their businesses.
Proposal for a Special Visa Program
She proposes creating a special visa program tailored for construction workers. This would mirror the H-2A visa used in agriculture, allowing foreign workers legal access to employment in the construction sector.
- President Trump’s administration focused on stricter immigration enforcement.
- ICE arrested over 9,100 individuals in South Texas in the past year.
- Local builders report disruptions in business due to these raids.
De La Cruz emphasized her responsibility to represent her constituents, even when it challenges the prevailing administration’s policies. She stated, “At the end of the day, I want to represent South Texas,” indicating her commitment to the local community’s prosperity.
Changing Landscape of Immigration Policies
Recent discussions among congressional Republicans suggest a potential shift towards a more flexible immigration policy. Congressional members are exploring possibilities for a new category of legal workers, moving away from hardline stances.
In September, U.S. Representative Lloyd Smucker reintroduced the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act. This legislation aims to create a visa category specifically for nonagricultural workers.
Local Builder Concerns and Meetings
De La Cruz’s advocacy follows a crucial meeting with the South Texas Builders Association, where industry representatives voiced concerns related to ICE enforcement actions. Mario Guerrero, the association’s executive director, highlighted the confusion about legal rights during such raids.
- More than 300 industry leaders attended a recent gathering in November.
- Participants shared impacts of ICE actions on their businesses.
Guerrero noted, “We’re trying to do the right thing,” expressing a willingness to engage with lawmakers to find solutions to these issues. Recent meetings have helped connect local builders with congressional leaders, including De La Cruz and Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar.
Past Advocacy for Immigration Reform
This is not De La Cruz’s first venture into immigration reform. Last year, she proposed the Bracero 2.0 bill aimed at improving labor conditions in agriculture. The proposed legislation intended to streamline the application process for H-2A visa holders and set wage standards.
Although that bill remains unvoted, new regulations have been implemented by the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate the application process for H-2A workers. De La Cruz’s ongoing engagement illustrates her focus on improving the legal status of workers in both the agricultural and construction sectors.
