OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The American Business Immigration Coalition Action (ABIC Action) extends its sincere gratitude to National Governor’s Association Chair Governor Kevin Stitt (R-OK) and Vice Chair Governor Wes Moore (D-MD) for their strong, bipartisan leadership in championing work permits for long term immigrant workers.
Unveiling their joint priorities at the NGA Summer Meeting in Oklahoma City, centered on the theme “Reigniting the American Dream”Governors Stitt and Moore amplified a vital message long backed by ABIC Action and business leaders nationwide: “The border is secure, it is time to secure the workforce.”
As Washington continues to face legislative gridlock, both governors echoed ABIC Action’s call for expanded work permits for long-term law-abiding immigrants to address critical labor shortages and affordability across key sectors like agriculture, construction, healthcare, and hospitality.
Governor Stitt reinforced the essential role state leaders must play in matching employers with available workers.
“Americans know that we need to have secure borders…But what is the end game?” said Governor Stitt. “We believe that the state should be more in control of workforce permits. We are closer to our workforce, whether it’s hospitality, agriculture, construction… The governor should be able to match employer to employee. Congress doesn’t want to deal with it. States can get this done.”
During his opening remarks, Governor Moore highlighted a recent business roundtable co-hosted with ABIC Action in Maryland, and emphasized how legal workforce pathways directly drive economic growth and lower costs for families.
“The recent immigration policy coming out of Washington is stalling economic growth and hurting our workforce,” said Governor Moore. “It is long past time for Congress to enact solutions that protect long-time immigrant contributors… providing stability to the businesses who rely on them.”
Attending the summit in Oklahoma City, ABIC Action CEO Rebecca Shi praised both governors for their vision and commitment to practical workforce solutions.
“We are deeply grateful to Governor Stitt and Governor Moore for their courageous, bipartisan leadership.”Governors see firsthand how labor shortages drag down local economies, drive up inflation, and leave key industries struggling to hire. By listening to employers and advocating for work permits for long term immigrants, Governors Stitt and Moore are proving that common-sense immigration reform isn’t a partisan issue—it’s an affordability issue. Congress can secure our workforce and reignite the American Dream.”
ABIC Action will continue to engage with state and federal leaders throughout the NGA meeting, working collaboratively to advance workforce solutions that support American businesses, workers, and regional economic stability.