How to Get the U.S. Workforce Back on Track

Sen. Jerry Moran | Wall Street Journal

Two recent editorials highlight interconnected challenges that are creating gaps in our workforce and threatening domestic manufacturing. An immigration system failing to fill current skilled-labor needs (“Deportation Blowback in South Korea,” Sept. 13) and the continued slide in proficiency in math and reading (“Another K-12 Education Disaster,” Sept. 10) underscore the urgent need for a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of our economy.

Meeting that demand will require common-sense immigration reform and expanding short-term work visas to ensure we are able to attract and retain workers in key industries. That effort must be accompanied by setting high expectations for students so that they have the skills our economy requires. Immigration reform should make certain American workers are considered first for American jobs, but Congress must match that priority with investments in workforce development. That means doubling down on technical training, community colleges and partnerships between federal, state and local entities.