May 30th, 2024
The Baker Institute Center for the U.S. and Mexico, the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC), and the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted a panel on expanding work authorization for immigrant spouses and parents of U.S. citizens and its impact on Houston’s economy.
Texas had over 807,000 unfilled jobs in March, while 572,000 Houston residents, including 55,000 married to U.S. citizens, cannot legally work despite paying $1.4 billion in taxes and wielding $11.6 billion in spending power. Speakers highlighted the need for practical solutions to workforce shortages and economic competitiveness.
With significant public support for work authorization for undocumented workers, including 1.1 million married to U.S. citizens, the call to action is urgent as Texans await rulings from the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on SB4 and DACA.
