U.S. Representative Monica De La Cruz has outlined plans to advocate for new avenues for migrants to work legally in the construction sector.
The Edinburg Republican, on Monday, announced her intention to engage with the U.S. Department of Labor following outcries from South Texas builders over the adverse effects of immigration raids at construction sites. She advocated for the development of a specialized visa program for construction workers, similar to the existing H-2A visa program that allows foreign agricultural workers.
“We’d like to see where the construction industry would fit,” De La Cruz stated, reflecting the needs of the local industry.
This initiative surfaces amidst ongoing discussions about immigration policies, notably under the administration of former President Donald Trump, which had emphasized stricter immigration enforcement strategies. Over the past year, more than 9,100 individuals were arrested in South Texas, raising alarm among employers reliant on a stable workforce.
De La Cruz remarked, “They elected me to represent them in Washington, D.C., and to be their voice, even when it pushes against the Trump administration. At the end of the day, I want to represent South Texas, and I want to ensure our community continues to thrive.”
Currently, there is increased interest among some Republicans to establish a new classification of legal workers, signaling a potential softening of the traditionally hardline stance on immigration. Many party members have echoed the sentiment that stricter immigration enforcement would create more job opportunities for American citizens.
In September, Republican Rep. Lloyd Smucker reintroduced the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act, aimed at creating a new visa category for non-agricultural workers.
De La Cruz's recent support for a new status for construction workers follows a meeting she held with the South Texas Builders Association. During this closed meeting, builders expressed their concerns not only about the implications of ICE raids but also sought clarity regarding rules on raids and the rights of their employees.
Mario Guerrero, the executive director of the Builders Association, indicated, “We’re trying to figure out what rules apply with all these raids that are happening, because we’re not really being informed if people need to show warrants or not.”
The fear of ICE raids has contributed to a workforce shortage across various sectors, including construction and food services. Guerrero highlighted the urgent need for such discussions, given the impact of immigration enforcement on industry productivity. The construction sector in the Rio Grande Valley has experienced significant challenges, prompting industry leaders to gather and voice their concerns collectively.
“We’re trying to do the right thing,” Guerrero stated further, emphasizing the necessity of ongoing dialogue between business leaders and congressional representatives.
In a past legislative attempt, De La Cruz introduced Bracero 2.0 bill, which aimed to address labor shortages in agriculture by reforming the H-2A visa program. This earlier bill sought to streamline processes and enhance worker mobility within the agricultural domain.
Although past bills have not yet resulted in legislation, recent moves by the Department of Homeland Security indicate a willingness to modify application processes for H-2A workers.
