Many political observers are indicating that 2013 may offer the first real chance for comprehensive immigration reform since the Reagan administration. Stung by a large Hispanic gap in the 2012 polls, Republicans – led by new-guard moderates like Florida Sen. Marco Rubio – have been reaching across the aisle with proposed changes that would affect how employers hire, recruit and staff both low-skill laborers and high-skill target workers.
Employer organizations and coalitions are commending such efforts. However, just dealing with landscape as it now lies (both in terms of importing and exporting wage-earners) can be challenging enough. Experts say companies need to carefully consider their staffing needs before deciding whether their workforce needs more foreign nationals or U.S. citizens, both at home and abroad.
