NAHB supports comprehensive immigration reform legislation recently introduced in the House by Reps. Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) and Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) that would protect the nation’s borders and preserve critical workforces.

“I want to thank the National Association of Home Builders for their endorsement,” said Rep. Salazar in a press release. “With home prices out of reach for many Americans due to labor shortages, this bill aims to secure the border while creating earned opportunities for long-term immigrants. It’s about accountability and providing a clear path toward stability — no amnesty, just responsibility.”

NAHB sent a letter to Rep. Salazar and Rep. Escobar on Oct. 8 announcing its support for the bill.

“The Dignity Act is a practical and balanced solution to one of our nation’s most complex challenges — comprehensive immigration reform,” the letter stated. “The bill’s approach to addressing this issue pairs robust enforcement measures to curb illegal immigration with a fair and responsible pathway to permanent work authorization for certain undocumented workers.”

With the housing industry facing a severe labor shortage, the Dignity Act creates a new pathway for permanent work authorization for undocumented workers that meet clear and stringent criteria. Workers who had arrived in the United States prior to 2020 must:

• Comply with federal and state laws;
• Complete a comprehensive criminal background check;
• Pay back taxes;
• Begin paying income taxes; and
• Pay an annual restitution fee of $1,000 into a training fund that will develop the next generation of skilled American labor.

Workers will begin a seven-year program that provides temporary legal status, work authorization, travel authorization and protection from removal proceedings, if all conditions are being met. At the completion of the seven-year program, workers are granted “dignity status,” which provides an indefinitely renewable seven-year work authorization and legal status. At no point are workers eligible for federal benefits or entitlements.

The home building industry risks an exacerbated skills gap if long-term workers with unique technical expertise are not given the opportunity to continue providing vital contributions to increase America’s housing supply. Nearly one-third of the U.S. construction workforce is comprised of immigrant workers, and the immigrant workforce plays a critical role in meeting the nation’s housing needs.

Learn more about how immigration reform is key to building a skilled workforce.