Press conference highlighted how the bipartisan Dignity Act can help address construction labor shortages, increase housing supply, and lower costs for families. The event also announced a nationwide tour of events hosted by construction industry employers.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — American Business Immigration Coalition Action (ABIC Action) and the Structural Building Components Association (SBCA) were joined today by bipartisan members of the Problem Solvers Caucus for a press conference to announce SBCA’s endorsement of the Dignity Act and the launch of the Housing Affordability Tour.
“Every single day, we work hand-in-hand with builders to frame homes more efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively,” said Larry Dix II, President of the Structural Building Components Association (SBCA) and a Virginia-based manufacturer. “But we cannot build the number of homes this country needs without a strong and reliable workforce.”
“The housing market is short an estimated 3.7 million homes. We cannot build our way out of this shortage because the construction industry relies on immigrants,” said Rebecca Shi, CEO of ABIC Action. “The Dignity Act is absolutely vital to lowering home prices for Americans by providing a legal pathway and stable work permits for long-term contributors.”
The event brought together Rep. Tom Suozzi (NY-3), Co-Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus; Rep. Maria Salazar (FL-27), sponsor of the Dignity Act; Rep. Laura Gillen (NY-4), an original Dignity Act co-sponsor; Rep. Adam Gray (CA-13); Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24); SBCA President Larry Dix II, and SBCA Board Member Christopher Tatge. Speakers at the press conference made the economic case to pass the Dignity Act.
“This is a great country, and immigrants are an essential part of this country. We need to embrace these valuable people who live in our communities, who do the hard work, and who make our communities work,” said Rep. Tom Suozzi. “Affordability of housing today needs to be addressed, and we need immigrants to have legal authorization to help lower the cost of housing.”
The coalition of bipartisan lawmakers stressed the importance of strengthening the workforce through immigration reform, addressing the nation’s housing shortage, and making homeownership more attainable.
“The Dignity Act is giving dignity back to American families,” said Rep. Maria Salazar. “This is a bill for the average American worker. More workers mean more homes, more homes mean lower costs, and lower costs mean the American dream. The American dream is the Dignity Act.”
Today’s event marked the launch of the SBCA’s Housing Affordability Tour. SBCA members will host members of Congress around the country to educate them on the vital role immigrant workers play in sustaining the homebuilding industry, lowering home prices, and creating jobs for American workers.
“We know that building a home takes a team of skilled tradespeople, who all play a role in turning a house into a home where families can create memories, build their lives, and grow together,” said Christopher Tatge, SBCA Board Member and Past President of the National Frames Council (NFC). “But right now, the biggest bottleneck on the ground is finding enough people to do the heavy lifting that makes the American dream of owning a house possible. Foreign-born workers are a vital part of the construction workforce, they help keep projects moving, help contractors meet demand, and help address workforce shortages that affect every segment of the industry.”
The press conference came amid a widening workforce and cost crisis in housing. Last year, labor shortages in construction added more than two months to construction timelines, increased $13 billion annually, and resulted in nearly 20,000 single-family homes not being built.
“If we want to bring down costs, we must increase supply. But one of the biggest roadblocks is the shortage of construction workers,” said Rep. Salud Carbajal. “For many years, immigrant workers have been essential in filling the gap. In fact, immigrants make up about one-third of the construction workforce. They are a critical part of the housing economy.”
Speakers highlighted that labor shortages in the sector directly translate to fewer homes built, longer construction timelines, and higher costs for American families. They also discussed how the Dignity Act would lower costs by ensuring the home building industry has the workforce needed to increase housing supply for American families.
“The Dignity Act provides a renewable work authorization for hardworking, taxpaying, vetted individuals who have already been here for more than five years,” said Rep. Laura Gillen. “It will strengthen our workforce and the construction industry, help to meet demand and drive down the cost of new homes and projects.”
“The Dignity Act provides border security and status,” said Rep. Adam Gray. “Dignity. This is an easy concept to wrap our arms around. I thank my colleagues for showing some political courage this morning, and I look forward to bringing this bill onto the House floor and voting to make America a fair and freer place.”