Legislation would authorize a federal study to understand and help remove systemic barriers to employment for newcomers to America
Washington, D.C.— Upwardly Global is applauding the introduction of the Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act in the U.S. Senate, following its passage through the House of Representatives in September with bipartisan support. The legislation would provide much-needed changes to the approach of workforce development, particularly for immigrants and refugees with international credentials, by eliminating barriers to their employment.
As the U.S. welcomes more incoming Afghan evacuees who will need to be integrated into the workforce, the legislation will provide critical support. The bill directs the U.S. Department of Labor to conduct an interagency study on factors that impact employment opportunities in the U.S. for work-eligible immigrants and refugees with international professional credentials. Upwardly Global has joined more than 120 national and local organizations in signing a letter urging Congress to support the legislation.
“The New Americans Act would play a critical role in expanding pathways to careers for immigrants and refugees arriving into the U.S., many of whom have been locked out of obtaining jobs in high-skilled fields because their credentials and training are not recognized domestically,” said Jina Krause-Vilmar, CEO Upwardly Global. “This is an important step in passing the New Americans Act to aid immigrant and refugee communities, and we urge the Senate to pass the Act as quickly as possible.”
Read more on the details of the Act here.
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Upwardly Global is a national nonprofit whose mission is to eliminate employment barriers for immigrant and refugee professionals, and advance the inclusion of their skills into the U.S. economy.