Improvements to training
and comprehensive im-
migration reform remain
equally critical to fix the
workforce issue, according
"We remain focused on
reinvigorating the domes-
tic pipeline for new work-
ers and ensuring there are
sufficient, lawful ways for
people to enter the coun-
try and work in construc-
tion so our industry can
keep pace with demand
for new infrastructure and
economic development
projects."
A construction worker helps build the Signa-
ture Bridge on January 5, 2024, in Miami. The
U.S. construction industry often relies on work-
ers lacking permanent legal status, contrib-
uting to ongoing labor challenges. Joe Raedle/
Getty Images via Getty Images
NUTS & BOLTS Continued from page 38
"ere are a ton of
kids coming from India,
China and elsewhere to
our world-class colleges
and universities [in the
United States.] ey get
their STEM degree, and
then what do we do? We
send them back to Seoul,
Beijing, Delhi, Baku, or
wherever it happens to be,"
said Basu. "at is silly.
I've said many times, let's
build a wall to keep those
people in."
IDA Universal November-December 2024
40
