President's Message: Building America— One Immigrant at a Time
Together, We Drive the Nation Forward
Since the earliest days of our nation, immigrants have been the backbone of America's progress. From the hopeful faces who arrived at Ellis Island to the skilled hands that helped build our railroads, farms, factories, and skylines, immigrant labor has shaped the physical and economic fabric of this country. America has always welcomed those willing to work hard and contribute, and our prosperity has been built on that promise.
Today, that tradition continues in every trade. From farming to construction, immigrant workers form the lifeblood of our industries. In construction alone, immigrants make up approximately 30% of the workforce nationally, swelling to 40% or more in some states. Without these dedicated individuals, our housing, commercial facilities, and infrastructure would grind to a halt.
I am certain that I am not the only immigrant who has earned the right to be here and to participate in our story and our economy. Many immigrants came before us, and many will come after us. It is our responsibility to provide a path for those who have earned the privilege to be here and work here.
Recent enforcement activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased tensions across many industries, including construction. As part of a broader national strategy, ICE has begun conducting worksite operations with the express purpose on identifying and arresting specified undocumented workers. These actions, while intended to uphold federal immigration law as to the subject individuals, have in some instances had a chilling effect on jobsites, creating uncertainty and fear among essential workers who are vital to keeping projects moving.
This atmosphere of uncertainty causes disruptions to jobsite operations, delays in project timelines, and anxiety within the workforce. It overlooks the economic reality that many of these workers have long contributed to the U.S. economy and continue to fill roles that are otherwise difficult to staff. Enforcement without reform leaves a vacuum, one that undermines the stability and productivity of the construction sector. This climate of fear leaves workers hiding, and families fragmented. Enforcement actions, while aiming to uphold immigration laws, often ignore the critical role these workers play in keeping America’s economy upright.
Despite this dependence, the U.S. lacks practical legal immigration pathways for immigrant construction workers. Current temporary visas (like H-2B, EB-3) remain insufficient in scale and flexibility. There is no clear path to legal residency or citizenship for the millions of immigrants who have lived, worked, and contributed here for years. Most are stuck in limbo, working essential jobs without benefits, protection, or a future.
We need Congress to recognize that:
- Affordable housing is critical, with America needing an additional 1.5 million units and shelter costs outpacing inflation;
- Effective housing production requires not just modern building techniques, but reliable, legal labor;
- Proposed bills like the Prefabricated Housing and Zoning Enhancement Act and the H-2C visa program (Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act) offer the building blocks, but far more visas will be needed.
Imagine a U.S. landscape that needs 400,000 more workers per month, or 2.2 million within three years, just to stabilize housing costs. That’s the scale of our labor deficit, and our reliance on immigrant workers.
Yet nearly 1.8 million existing construction workers fill essential roles and justifiably fear for their families and futures. Onsite ICE raids not only threaten those workers, but also risk stalling housing production, pushing rents and mortgage inflation even higher.
What Can We Do
- Advocate for targeted immigration reform—e.g., implementing H-2C (construction) visas, creating direct pathways from undocumented status to work authorization, and eventual citizenship;
- Support policies that provide grants and tax credits for training and production, while rebuilding the legal workforce through homegrown talent and foreign-born contributors;
- Lobby for workplace protection laws that limit enforcement that disrupts projects, displaces families, and destabilizes communities.
These combined measures will:
- Stabilize housing production
- Reduce inflationary pressures in shelter costs
- Strengthen rural and urban farming alike by supporting consistent food and housing supply chains
My Story: Firsthand Proof of Promise
I migrated to this country when I was just 8 years old. At 18, I entered the trades and never looked back. I know firsthand what it means to be an immigrant in this sector: the grit it takes to wake up early, work long hours in every season, and prove your worth day in and day out. But more than that, I know how long and difficult the journey to U.S. citizenship can be.
The proudest moment of my life was when I was finally sworn in as an American citizen. After years of hard work on and off the construction site, I stood with my right hand over my heart. As the Star-Spangled Banner played; I tried to sing, but I couldn’t get a word out. I was overcome with emotion, and tears of joy and accomplishment made it impossible to speak. In that moment, Old Glory was not just a symbol—I felt, truly and fully, that it was mine.
I am certain that I am not the only immigrant who has earned the right to be here and to participate in our story and our economy. Many immigrants came before us, and many will come after us. It is our responsibility to provide a path for those who have earned the privilege to be here and work here.
Our trades—the backbone of America's built environment—depend on immigrant labor. We must shift from punitive enforcement to equitable opportunity. When we do, we don’t just build houses—we build communities, stability, and hope.
Let's build a system that builds America, together.
Pedro Loureiro
NFC President