Immigration bill targets roofing labor shortages

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how proposed immigration reform aims to balance border security with workforce stability in the roofing industry. 

Roofing contractors across the United States are continuing to navigate persistent labor shortages that are affecting project timelines, increasing costs and limiting long-term growth. As these pressures intensify, industry organizations are turning their attention to federal policy as a potential path forward. The Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA) is among those advocating for legislation that addresses workforce needs. 

In July 2025, TRIA formally signed a letter of support for the DIGNITY Act (H.R. 4393), officially titled the Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act. Introduced by Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar and Veronica Escobar, the bill is expected to gain momentum this year. TRIA Director John Campbell plans to raise the issue during National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Roofing Day in Washington, D.C., in April, demonstrating the organization’s ongoing government relations efforts. 

At the core of TRIA’s position is the belief that immigration policy must reflect both enforcement priorities and economic realities. The organization supports securing U.S. borders as close to 100% as possible while also expanding legal workforce pathways, including new guest worker programs for construction. That dual focus reflects the industry’s reliance on skilled labor and the need for a consistent, legally authorized workforce to maintain safety standards and quality workmanship. 

The DIGNITY Act attempts to address both sides of that equation. Its provisions include enhanced border security measures such as physical barriers, advanced technology and mandatory E-Verify, alongside reforms to the asylum system that introduce faster processing timelines and stricter penalties for fraud. 

At the same time, the legislation outlines a structured workforce solution through the proposed Dignity Program. This program would grant a seven-year temporary legal status to qualifying undocumented individuals, contingent on background checks and restitution payments. While it does not provide a pathway to citizenship, it would allow participants to live and work legally in the United States. 

Beyond enforcement and legalization measures, the bill also invests in workforce development, allocating funding for apprenticeships, job training and education to help address labor shortages in critical industries, including construction. 

With bipartisan support and growing attention, TRIA continues to advocate for policies that align immigration reform with the operational realities of the roofing industry. 

Learn more about how the DIGNITY Act aims to address roofing labor shortages while balancing border security and workforce stability!