How will employment immigration affect manufacturing industry?

After the American presidential election, the topics of many discussions involved protecting available jobs for U.S. citizens. However, for those thriving in the U.S. manufacturing industry, engineers are required to invent products and optimise production methods. This is where concern related to employment immigration and the need for more engineers comes in. Engineers in British Columbia are likely watching the developments with anticipation.

Manufacturing executives say that limiting the numbers of engineers in the manufacturing industry also limits the number of jobs for other workers. They say that every engineer creates jobs for 20 other people. According to the records of employees by occupation held by the federal government, engineering compliments jobs in maintenance and production.

In many cases in which there are shortages of engineers, companies choose to relocate activities to areas in which more engineers are available. Another option elected by some is the outsourcing of production, often denying American workers job opportunities. Furthermore, research and development might be outsourced to foreign countries with abundant talent. Up to now, immigrants have made up a significant percentage of engineers in the United States, and the impact of the Trump administration’s view remains to be seen.

It is still unclear whether and how the new U.S. policy related to providing visas for employment immigration will affect citizens of British Columbia and other Canadians. However, those who are seeking employment in the United States may benefit from keeping in touch with an experienced attorney who is skilled in cross-border matters. A lawyer who is registered on both sides of the border can provide the necessary guidance and support in matters related to the movement of employees from Canada to the United States.

Source: Forbes, “U.S. Manufacturing Needs Immigrant Engineers“, Bill Conerly, Feb. 8, 2017