Senator Risch Questions Nominee on Legal Immigration and Labor Needs

Legal Migration and Labor Shortages

• 🎯 Senator Risch highlights the importance of legal migration channels, noting that while illegal immigration has been addressed, legal pathways for labor are not receiving adequate attention.
• 💡 He emphasizes that industries like agriculture and homebuilding rely on migrant labor and require a steady flow of workers.
• ⚠️ Risch expresses concern that closing the "back door" of illegal immigration has inadvertently impacted these industries' access to necessary labor.

Nominee's Role in Migration and Refugees

• 👤 Andrew Veprek, nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, acknowledges the bureau's responsibility for refugee admissions.
• 🤝 He outlines that most other legal migration flows, including temporary work visas, fall under the Bureau of Consular Affairs, requiring coordination with the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security.
• 🗣️ Veprek assures that if confirmed, he would ensure close coordination with DHS and USCIS for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

Addressing Industry Needs

• 📈 Risch urges Veprek to actively raise the issue of legal labor migration, stressing that these industries are in dire need.
• 📞 He believes that while coordination is essential, the need for legal workers must be a prominent topic of discussion.
• ✅ Veprek confirms his understanding of the need for coordination and the importance of addressing these issues.