Hiring immigrants is about more than work visas or labor law compliance. With immigration rekindled as a hot topic in the news, HR folks may consider how this group of talent — going through serious life transitions and interested in bolstering their professional life — can present an opportunity to rise to the occasion.
Immigration has long been fraught in the U.S. The previous administration doubled down on restricting immigration, despite employer groups’ frustration with those policies. While the administration has changed, the complaints largely haven’t; in March, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce called for modernization of a “broken immigration system.”
The latest headlines may spotlight that tension. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s administration began busing migrants from Texas to major cities in the northeastern U.S. in April. Since that time, Operation Lone Star has brought more than 6,000 asylum-seekers to Washington, D.C. In early August, the project brought 68 migrants to New York City, according to CNN.
With immigration back in the news, HR folks may be thinking about their own immigrant and refugee hires, particularly as the talent market tightens up. From creating an inclusive workplace to championing L&D with ESL classes, here are tips on how to help talent that is new to the U.S. shine at work.
