WASHINGTON, D.C. — ABIC Action is proud to support the State Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act of 2026, introduced by Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ). This historic, bipartisan legislation offers a practical, market-driven solution to the critical workforce shortages facing industries across the country. By empowering states to design and implement their own visa programs, this bill provides the necessary tools for state economies to flourish, while ensuring accountability and enhancing border security.
The new State-Sponsored (W) Visa allows participating states to fill urgent labor needs by sponsoring qualified workers, including those who have contributed to our economy and communities for years. It provides a legal pathway for long-term undocumented residents, specifically those present in the U.S. since December 31, 2016, who meet strict eligibility and background requirements. This legislation addresses the need for a stable, documented workforce while stabilizing the economy.
“We are grateful to Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) for their bipartisan leadership in creating common-sense immigration and workforce solutions that recognize the contributions of skilled, long-term immigrants and reflects the realities of our modern economy,” said Rebecca Shi, CEO of ABIC Action. “This legislation is a significant step toward solving the chronic workforce shortages that have hampered growth across diverse sectors, from agriculture and construction to hospitality and manufacturing. Families across America are feeling the squeeze of higher prices, and the lack of legal pathways for workers who are already here and contributing plays a key role. With food costs up 30% and a national housing shortage of 3.7 million homes, we simply cannot staff the farms, job sites, and restaurants that keep our economy moving. We can’t lower prices unless we protect our essential workers.”
Statements from Business Leaders Supporting the Legislation:
John W. Graham, Chairman and CEO, Sunbelt Holdings:
“In the construction and housing sector, we are constantly navigating labor shortages that threaten to stall project timelines and economic momentum. 92% percent of construction firms struggled to fill open positions last year. This legislation is a game-changer for Arizona. By empowering our state to sponsor qualified individuals, we can ensure our businesses have the reliable, documented workforce they need to keep building and keep our economy moving forward.”
Bob Worsley, ABIC Board Chairman and former Arizona Republican State Senator
“The success of Utah’s economic landscape demands innovative, practical solutions like the ones in this legislation. I applaud Senators Curtis and Kelly for recognizing that states are often best positioned to understand their unique labor needs. Labor shortages exacerbated by immigration crackdowns have caused the prices of food, housing–even eldercare–to all surge. This pilot program is a sensible, market-driven approach that will allow Utah businesses to thrive while maintaining the integrity and security of our immigration system.”
Monica Villalobos, President and CEO, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce:
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, yet they struggle daily to find the workforce necessary to grow. That means higher costs, reduced local spending and a weaker economy for Arizona. This bipartisan bill offers a lifeline to our chambers and the thousands of local businesses we represent. By providing a pathway for long-term contributors to legally work and invest in our communities, we are strengthening the stability of the entire business ecosystem.”
Scott Anderson, President and CEO, Zions Bank:
“Economic stability is built on labor certainty. This legislation is a vital step toward reconciling our immigration policies with the actual needs of our workforce and our markets. A recent study showed that for every six immigrants removed from the workforce, one American citizen loses their job because of the resulting economic slowdown. This legislation is a pragmatic, pro-growth proposal that will help secure the long-term financial health of our regional economies by enabling states to bridge the gap in their labor supply.”