Gateway to Careers Act Would Help Native-Born and Immigrant Students Complete Education and Fill Vacant Jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican and Democratic senators are sponsoring the newly reintroduced Gateway to Careers Act, which would help native-born and immigrant students complete their educations and fill vacant jobs.

The bill was introduced today by Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire), and co-sponsors are Sens. Cory Gardner (R-Colorado), Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) and Todd Young (R-Indiana).

Provisions of the bill would help people rise from entry-level positions and into economically self-sustaining careers. The bill would help a large number of students, including the nearly 25 percent of community college students who are immigrants. Native-born workers whose success depends on businesses having the labor force they need also stand to benefit.

The bill also was introduced in 2018, and a summary is available here.

“This bipartisan bill would help build the workforce we need to reinforce our economic strength,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “We appreciate the support of senators from both parties and the leadership of the National Skills Coalition in making this a priority.

“The Gateway to Careers Act will bolster our future workforce, native-born and immigrant. We hope Congress will enact this bill quickly.”