Alterations for an Outdated Immigration System: Immigration Reform is Crucial for Maintaining Talent and Innovation in the U.S. Fashion Industry

In addition to employing more than 1.9 million workers nation-wide, the U.S. fashion industry bolsters the profits of numerous ancillary industries, such as photography, graphic design, publishing, set design, public relations, and hospitality. The industry has long been dependent on the infusion of talent and manpower from immigrants.

Alterations for an Outdated Immigration System: Immigration Reform is Crucial for Maintaining Talent and Innovation in the U.S. Fashion Industry documents the role that immigrants play in the industry, laments short-sighted policies that are cutting off the flow of talent from abroad, and makes specific recommendations to address these concerns, including increasing the number of H-1B visas available to trained fashion professionals and reforming the O-1 visa to meet the specialized needs of the fashion industry. Building on an earlier work that focused solely on the fashion industry in New York, this report highlights the role that immigrants play in regional fashion hubs, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Nashville, St. Louis, and Miami. The report's findings are based on detailed interviews with over 30 industry professionals, a literature review, and a 25-question survey distributed to CFDA members. (American Immigrant Policy Portal)

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