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Cable television broadcasting industry

Business Leaders Blame Congress for Immigration Challenges

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Rupert Murdoch, CEO of News Corp, and Michael Bloomberg, New York City Mayor, testified before the House Judiciary Committee, criticizing Congress for failing to provide tools for businesses to comply with immigration laws. They argued that the absence of a clear plan makes it difficult for companies to distinguish between legitimate and forged documents. Murdoch, an immigrant himself, emphasized the importance of immigration reform, stating that immigrants are a vital part of the US workforce.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rupert Murdoch and Michael Bloomberg blamed Congress for not providing the necessary tools for businesses to comply with immigration laws.
  • The two media tycoons argued that employers cannot tell the difference between legitimate and forged documents.
  • Murdoch emphasized the importance of immigration reform, citing the significant role that immigrants play in the US workforce.
  • Bloomberg noted that immigrants are a key factor in New York City's economic resilience during the national recession.
  • A business coalition led by Bloomberg and Murdoch advocates for an immigration overhaul that includes employer verification, border enforcement, and a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the US.
  • Murdoch denied Fox News' characterization as "anti-immigrant," stating that he and many Fox commentators support immigration.
  • Murdoch emphasized his own immigrant roots, highlighting his experience coming to the US from Australia and Britain.
  • Judiciary Committee ranking member Lamar Smith introduced a media study that found Fox News to be the most fair of all TV networks and that half of Americans trust Fox more than any other media network.

Statistics:

  • Three-fourths of farm workers in the US are in the country illegally (according to committee staff).
  • New York City's economy has weathered the national recession better than the country as a whole, thanks in part to immigrants (according to Bloomberg).
  • Half of Americans trust Fox News more than any other media network (according to a media study cited by TJ Smith).
  • Murdoch employed a lot of immigrants at Fox News.
  • The business coalition advocating for immigration reform includes companies led by Bloomberg and Murdoch.

Sources:

  • Bloomberg
  • Rupert Murdoch
  • Michael Bloomberg
  • House Judiciary Committee

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