Employers like what they hear

Some rules cause concern, but many satisfied with plan

Roger Fillion, Rocky Mountain News

Published May 18, 2007 at midnight

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Colorado employers so far like what they hear about the immigration-reform package, saying they hope it becomes law.

"We're pleased that if this passes we'll have legal access to foreign labor, which is all we've ever wanted," said Ilene Kamsler, CEO of the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association.

Kamsler does have reservations about the plan's temporary worker program. She said her industry relies "heavily" on "guest" workers for seasonal work, although critics charge that the employers don't pay enough to attract U.S. workers.

Under the compromise, guest workers would have to return home after two-year work stints. They could renew their guest worker visas twice, but would be required to leave for a year in between each time.

Kamsler said she would prefer to drop the requirement for workers to return home for a year between work "so we don't have to train new people every two years."

Sean McHugh, vice president of investor relations for Swift & Co., said his company is "pleased" the White House and key senators "found common ground."

Federal immigration agents in December raided Swift meat-processing plants across the country, including the one in Greeley. They detained and removed about 1,300 workers in all. Swift estimates the raids cost it $45 million to $50 million in its fiscal year ending May 27.

"Preliminary information suggests the plan contains many of the key reform elements that Swift & Co. has been advocating for over a year: namely, improved worker-verification systems, recognition of the U.S. economy's growing need for labor, and provisions to bolster national security," McHugh said.

"We hope these reform provisions remain intact," he added, "and ultimately become law."

Pete Meersman, president of the Colorado Restaurant Association, said by telephone that "the only thing I know about (the agreement) is what I've seen" on TV.

"Without seeing all the details, I can't just say we're in favor of this," said Meersman, in Chicago for a National Restaurant Association Convention. "But from what I've heard, this is in line with our official position."

He noted his group favors "secure" borders, a guest worker program, and a "quick, inexpensive, tamper-proof system" to verify a job candidate's work status.

fillionr@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2467

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