As workforce shortages become more acute within the U.S. roofing industry, NRCA continues to explore innovative ways to address members’ workforce needs. One strategy to consider is sponsoring and hiring individuals who come to the U.S. as refugees or asylum seekers from countries experiencing political or economic crises. Now is an opportune time to consider these options because there are several new developments in federal initiatives that facilitate the resettlement of such individuals within the U.S.
Parole program
In January, the Department of Homeland Security announced the expansion of a program aimed at addressing migration and security issues at the U.S. southern border. Under the expanded program, individuals from Cuba, Haiti and Nicaragua can request advance authorization for temporary parole in the U.S. This opportunity first was provided in autumn 2022 to individuals fleeing political and economic turmoil in Venezuela.
The temporary parole status includes work authorization and is initially permitted for a period of two years with the possibility of extension. There is a cap of 30,000 visas per month for parolees from these four countries.
The program is being implemented simultaneously with expanded enforcement efforts by U.S. and Mexican authorities to prevent unauthorized border crossings that have increased dramatically in recent years.
To be eligible for the program, an individual must have a designated supporter in the U.S. who will provide financial assistance and other support to ensure successful legal migration. Individuals also must pass rigorous national security and public safety vetting to qualify for sponsorship.
The program essentially is a stop-gap measure designed to better manage the situation at the U.S. southern border as Congress has failed to address these problems through legislation. NRCA continues advocating for immigration reform that bolsters border security, provides enough visas to meet workforce needs and reforms asylum laws, but it is unclear when the political impasse on immigration policy in Congress will be resolved.
Refugee resettlement
Another strategy to consider involves U.S. efforts to resettle refugees from parts of the world experiencing war and civil strife. The federal government and private sector organizations have been working cooperatively for decades to resettle refugees, defined as individuals who are “unable to return to [their] home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or social group.” Refugees are subject to security checks and extensive vetting before they are admitted to the U.S. Unlike parolees, once individuals obtain refugee status, they are usually granted permanent legal status to remain in the U.S. indefinitely.
Refugees can bring enormous value to companies, especially when firms are struggling to fill open positions. Experience has shown that with proper support during their transition and resettlement, refugees can become highly motivated, dependable employees.
Employers interested in exploring opportunities to hire refugees for roofing roles can find more information in the U.S. Employers’ Guide to Hiring Refugees. Published by Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and the Tent Partnership for Refugees, the guide covers everything an employer needs to know to hire refugees through the resettlement process. Employers will learn how refugees are vetted before they enter the U.S. and how they are assigned to one of nine private resettlement agencies that partner with the federal government to provide resettlement services, including assistance in finding employment. The guide also covers how employers that hire refugees may qualify for federal tax credits through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.
Another resource for employers is the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement, which works with private resettlement agencies to help refugees find jobs and integrate into their communities. These organizations have staff dedicated to assisting employers in the hiring process as staff works to match refugees’ skills with suitable employment.
Welcome Corps
To improve the refugee resettlement program, in January, the Department of State created the Welcome Corps, a new private sponsorship program designed to facilitate the resettlement of refugees. The Welcome Corps is designed to create new opportunities for U.S. citizens to engage directly in refugee resettlement through private sponsorship that is independent of and complementary to existing avenues for volunteering with resettlement agencies. It is an effort to strengthen, modernize and expand existing capabilities based on recent experience with resettlement operations involving Afghans, Ukrainians and other refugees.
In the coming months, the Welcome Corps rollout will occur in two phases. First, participating private sponsors will be matched with refugees whose cases already are approved for resettlement under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Second, private sponsors will be able to identify refugees to refer for resettlement and support the refugees they have identified. The Department of State is funding a consortium of nonprofit organizations with expertise in welcoming, resettling and integrating refugees into the U.S. Additionally, private community organizations and institutions will be able to apply to participate in the Welcome Corps as private sponsor organizations for the purpose of mobilizing, supporting and overseeing private sponsors.
The establishment of the Welcome Corps is a major development in refugee resettlement aimed at leveraging the capabilities of individuals and private sector organizations to maximize opportunities as need grows.
A meaningful option
Giving refugees or asylum seekers an opportunity to work within the dynamic roofing industry can be rewarding on many levels, and NRCA expects opportunities to increase substantially in the future. NRCA urges members to consider this unique way to supplement their workforce development strategies and stands ready to assist in such efforts.
DUANE L. MUSSER is NRCA’s vice president of government relations in Washington, D.C.
This column is part of Rules + Regs. Click here to read additional stories from this section.
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