Opinion: Want to strengthen our manufacturing industry? Pass immigration reform

This opinion piece says research shows that 46 manufacturing jobs are created or saved for every 1,000 immigrants.   - - Donna Poisl

by John Feinblatt and Jason Marczak

As Congress resumes its work this month, there are many uncertainties, not least of which is the economy. Our country is still in post-recession recovery mode and some economists project another rough patch this fall that may only be exacerbated by the looming budget crisis and the accompanying debt ceiling fight. Amid these upcoming debates in Congress, it is critical to remain focused on ways to preserve and create more American jobs.

Here, one industry in particular stands out: manufacturing. It is a segment of the economy on which millions of American middle-class jobs depend. But it is also an industry that has undergone dramatic changes over the last half century, with the rise of both global manufacturing operations and the increasing prominence of high-skilled manufacturing. Our economy needs a strong manufacturing industry and our workers need the strong middle-class jobs the manufacturing industry provides.
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