This is no secret: the fashion industry helps drive the American economy, and immigrants drive the fashion industry. Immigration reform will strengthen our country as a whole, but the current political environment is divisive and difficult. During this critical time, companies have a real opportunity to step up and lead, by standing with immigrants.
Last week, CFDA hosted a NETWORK. conversation to discuss how companies can best support immigrants –as employers, public advocates, and drivers of culture. More than 45 companies and brands participated in the event entitled “Immigration: Visa Holders, Hiring Skilled Works, and New Policies,” where they voiced challenges in running a business, particularly one that thrives on international talent, during such policy uncertainty.
CFDA continued its longstanding partnership with FWD.us, a bipartisan political organization working on immigration reform, as well as the I Stand With Immigrants initiative for this important conversation. The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce also joined.
Designer Naeem Khan echoed this sentiment, expressing that it is increasingly harder to garner international talent to grow a U.S. fashion business. As another example of how industry leaders can step up and try to fill the gaps left behind by an outdated and difficult-to-navigate system, Khan shared how he is working with the City of Miami on a new facility and education program to train U.S. workers in artisan trades through immigrants in the industry.
“I want to build the fashion industry in America, and create jobs here. I hope it will be my legacy. But in order to do that, we need immigration — immigrants to teach artisan skills that simply can’t be taught in school, because they are taught in heritage,” Khan said.
President of FWD.us Todd Schulte provided insight into the political state of play in Washington. Overall, hiring high-skilled talent has become increasingly difficult and unpredictable. Specifically over the past two years, nearly every legal immigration avenue has been restricted or threatened. Continued restrictions and unpredictability – coupled with broader anti-immigrant sentiment – is driving down international student enrollment.
“Immigration reform will not only protect American workers and industries like fashion, but enhance our ability to bring in the best and brightest from around the world to drive our economy forward,” Schulte said. “In this increasingly polarized society, and in the absence of action from our politicians, there has never been a more important time for the business community to stand with immigrants.”
Director of the I Stand With Immigrants Initiative Jen Martin shared acts of leadership that companies can take to support impacted employees internally — and ways the industry can use its creativity and voice to shift the cultural conversation and make their position known to lawmakers because they are critical U.S. job creators.
How can your company support immigrants?
Provide Resources. Larger companies can pledge to provide legal assistance to impacted employees, like paying the filing fees for DACA renewals. Smaller companies can seek out opportunities to partner with local nonprofit organizations to provide employees with advice and resources. For outside resources, you can visit Informed Immigrant here, and stay tuned for the next pro bono Fashion Law Institute Pop-Up Clinic here.
Advocate. Meet with elected officials, write op-eds, and sign on to public industry letters to demand policy changes that fix our broken immigration system. Don’t stop there; help to recruit other allies to the cause!
Content. Use your voice! Create and share content on your social media channels. Lift up content from other trusted partners, like @IAmAnImmigrant.
Make a Statement. Show your support by wearing I Am An Immigrant pin or I Stand With Immigrant tee, everywhere from the subway to the red carpet. [Contact Jen at jen@fwd.us to get a pin or tee]
Pictured: Moderator Jessica Walker, President and CEO of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Jen Martin, Director of I Stand With Immigrants, CFDA member Naeem Khan, and FWD.us President Todd Schulte.
