Franchise executive Philip Schram weighs in on Obama immigration plan

[caption id="attachment_20929" align="alignright" width="249" caption="Philip Schram, executive vice president of Buffalo Wings & Rings"][/caption] " target="_blank" rel="nofollowPresident Obama’s executive action to expand temporary protection to millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States has sparked mixed reactions from businesses. Some are praising the decision, claiming this would open new channels of employment and investment and would increase the pool of workers, while others believe the initiative would prevent any congressional path toward citizenship for people entering the country illegally. Philip Schram, executive vice president of Cincinnati-based franchise chain Buffalo Wings & Rings believes the movement would be beneficial for the labor market. “There is a constant need for entry-level wage earners to serve guests and prepare food,” he said. “Immigration is a continuous way to get those entry-level workers. The nation needs a large and consistent supply of workers to fulfill our lifestyles.” President Obama has stated that he would prefer a legislative solution but will now act sans congressional approval, causing Republicans in Congress to speak out, claiming the decision will reduce the chance of creating a broader overhaul system in the long term. “This piecemeal approach to immigration reform is no long-term answer,” Kevin Kelly, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, said to The Wall Street Journal. “It could be overturned by a future administration, and it puts employers in a precarious position with regard to uncertain employment verification requirements.” With Republicans taking over the Senate this coming January for the first time in eight years, they will have the opportunity to put forth bills to address the issue. These changes can come from smaller bills focusing on employment verification and efforts to implement a more concise immigration process. “We hope there is ultimately calm after the firestorm,” U.S. Chamber of Commerce spokeswoman Blair Latoff Holmes told The Wall Street Journal. “Republicans will have an opportunity in the next Congress to put forward bills to address our dysfunctional immigration system.” Read more by clicking: http://online.wsj.com/articles/some-business-groups-say-obamas-move-threatens-broader-immigration-overhaul-1416504058