The Schedule A shortage occupation list was created in the 1960s to help the United States attract and hire international talent to address labor shortages in a range of high-demand occupations and industries. However, because the Schedule A list has not been updated since 2005, it no longer includes the occupations where the United States faces major labor shortages.

LGBTQI+ advocates and leaders have moved us towards a more inclusive society and economy. Unfortunately, continued right-wing attacks on LGBTQI+ rights and safety jeopardize this progress as they seek to further institutionalize discrimination in the labor market, schools, and elsewhere. While the Biden administration has engaged in major efforts to protect this community, Congress must do more to help ensure LGBTQI+ equality.

Immigrant workers play an essential role in the American economy, helping to fill current labor shortages and further the country’s economic progress. At 17.4% of the workforce, immigrants strengthen the economy by working in high-demand industries and participating in the labor force at high rates. Immigrant workers’ contributions are further bolstered when they have access to union representation, which provides stable employment, higher earnings, better benefits, and safer workplaces to both immigrant and native-born workers alike. The United States can improve the lives of all workers by removing barriers that prevent both immigrant and non-immigrant workers from gaining union representation.