FL Chamber…Immigration Critical to Florida’s Economy

TALLAHASSEE, FL (January 24, 2010) – Immigration is critical to Florida’s economy, and further immigration restrictions will have a negative economic impact, leading economic development professional Dr. Dale A. Brill, President of the Florida Chamber Foundation, today told members of the Florida Senate Immigration Workshop.

“For any immigration reform to succeed, it must acknowledge the research evidence that demonstrates both the positive economic factors associated with immigration, as well as strains placed on the state and local governments,” Brill said. “Appropriately managed immigration must meet labor market demands while respecting the rule of law.”

Brill, who heads the research arm of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, presented the Florida Chamber Foundation’s independent review of existing research – Immigration and Florida’s Economy – during the second of three Immigration Workshop meetings being held by the Florida Senate.

Immigration and Florida’s Economy research concludes that:
1.    Diversity and innovation is good for Florida’s economy,
2.    Collaboration is needed to address the cost burden of unauthorized immigration at the state and local levels, and
3.    Florida should replace unauthorized immigration with legal immigration that mirrors the economic cycle.

“It’s critical that Florida protect its strong brand as a state that welcomes tourists, promotes international trade, and supplies much of the nation’s fruits and vegetables,” said Adam Babington, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “Florida must use caution with any immigration restrictions to help ensure we don’t provoke an economic boycott or restrict economic growth.”

Babington, who presented the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s policy perspective to Senators, reminded lawmakers that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government.

“While immigration reform is the feds responsibility, there may be specific areas where Florida is in a position to help facilitate enforcement,” Babington added.

To read the complete Immigration and Florida’s Economy research report, visit www.flchamber.com.

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Florida Chamber of Commerce: Established in 1916 as Florida’s first statewide business advocacy organization, the Florida Chamber of Commerce is the state’s largest federation of employers, chambers of commerce and associations, representing more than 139,000 employers. The Chamber works within all branches of government to affect those changes set forth in the annual Florida Business Agenda, and which are seen as critical to the continued improvement of Florida’s business environment. Visit www.FloridaChamber.com for more information.

Florida Chamber Foundation: The Florida Chamber Foundation is a research organization and problem solver, working in partnership with state business leaders to advance and fund activities in public policy research that promote the future of Florida. The Foundation’s Six Pillars serve as a visioning platform for moving Florida forward. The Foundation’s work focuses on: 1) Talent supply and education, 2) Innovation and economic development, 3) Infrastructure and growth leadership, 4) Business climate and competitiveness, 5) Civic and governance systems, and 6) Quality of life and quality places. For more information, visit www.FLFoundation.org.

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