Trump administration expected to ramp up immigration enforcement
In a recent interview, president-elect Trump reiterated his intent to move forward with plans to greatly expand deportations of undocumented immigrants, which was a central theme of his 2024 campaign. The incoming administration is expected to issue Executive Orders regarding border security and pursue expanded immigration enforcement policies upon taking office Jan. 20, 2025. Trump has indicated the enforcement program will prioritize undocumented individuals with existing deportation orders and/or criminal records and may also include “people outside of criminals” without providing further details. The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing Dec. 10 to review the issue, with senators debating the need for stronger border security and possible immigration solutions. NRCA is aware many members are concerned about how expanded enforcement efforts could affect the roofing industry and is actively engaged regarding the issue and will provide more information as it becomes available.
With Republicans in control of the House and Senate, it is expected they will move quickly to pass increased funding for border security and interior enforcement measures, possibly including expanded use of E-Verify by employers. Trump also indicated he hopes to work on a bipartisan basis with Congress to provide relief for Dreamers—undocumented immigrants eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. NRCA supports the Dignity Act (H.R. 3599), bipartisan legislation to provide a permanent solution for Dreamers, other undocumented individuals and immigrants with Temporary Protected Status. NRCA also supports the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (H.R. 3734) to establish a new visa program designed to meet future workforce needs. Although lawmakers have failed to address immigration policy in recent years, renewed bipartisan efforts are expected in 2025. NRCA will continue working with lawmakers and the incoming administration to address these issues on a bipartisan basis.
In anticipation of increased immigration enforcement activities such as I-9 audits and workplace enforcement visits, companies should review Form I-9s and other immigration-related documentation to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. View a comprehensive overview of suggested immigration compliance activities.
Department of Labor rule regarding Registered Apprenticeships is withdrawn
The Department of Labor has withdrawn its proposed rulemaking, National Apprenticeship System Enhancements, which was aimed at modernizing regulations that govern the operation of federal Registered Apprenticeships. The proposed rule was announced in December 2023 and contained numerous changes to current requirements, including provisions to strengthen labor standards; promote new apprenticeship pathways; create new models for apprenticeships; and update accountability measures within the system. In response, NRCA joined with allied organizations in the Jobs and Careers Coalition to submit comments that outlined concerns the proposed rule would add new mandates to Registered Apprenticeships, making them more costly and difficult for employers to use. The comments recommended agency officials reassess the proposal and adopt a more flexible, less burdensome approach that would be more attractive to employers, particularly small businesses. NRCA is pleased with the withdrawal of this proposal and looks forward to a reassessment of the apprenticeship system that leads to more flexible options for employers to address their workforce development challenges.
NRCA urges resumption of labor talks to avert International Longshoremen’s Association strike
NRCA is working to avert the disruption of industry supply chains that could result from a possible longshoreman’s strike at numerous ports on the East and Gulf Coasts of the U.S. In early October, a brief strike was paused when the United States Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoremen’s Association reached a temporary agreement in ongoing negotiations regarding a new employment contract. With the temporary agreement scheduled to expire Jan. 15, the threat of interruption of international trade flows again looms large.
In mid-November, negotiations between the parties broke down, with the International Longshoremen’s Association walking away from the bargaining table because of ongoing concerns regarding automation at ports, and no further talks are scheduled at this time. Given the current impasse, NRCA joined more than 250 concerned business trade associations in sending a letter to management and labor representatives, urging them to immediately resume negotiations and continue working to achieve an agreement before the deadline to avoid serious disruptions to supply chains. NRCA will continue monitoring this issue and provide updates to members as developments warrant.
ROOFPAC is thankful for YOU this holiday season!
During this season of thanks, we are grateful to all who support ROOFPAC—the only political action committee dedicated to the roofing industry—in personal donations that can help support pro-business elected officials or in corporate contributions to help fund our events, such as our recent reception in Austin, Texas, during NRCA’s Fall Committee Meetings. Supporters enjoyed a lively speakeasy atmosphere featuring NRCA- and roofing-inspired cocktails such as “the 1886” and the “Roofer’s Rocket Fuel.” To learn more about ROOFPAC, please visit https://nrca.net/advocacy/roofpac and consider joining our events during the International Roofing Expo® in San Antonio; the live auction and reception will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Feb. 18, 2025, at Smoke Skybar, and the popular silent auction with amazing prizes will be displayed in NRCA’s booth through 4 p.m. CST Feb. 20.
