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TriNet gauges impact of immigration reforms on small and midsize firms

April 26, 2017

Three-quarters of small and midsize businesses serving the technology, life sciences and financial services industries believe immigration reform could negatively impact their business, according to a survey released by professional employer organization TriNet Group Inc. (NYSE: TNET).

Seventy-six percent of respondents stated that no longer being able to hire or employ foreign nationals would have a negative impact on their business. And while 78% of respondents agreed with the idea that the current US immigration system should be reformed, nearly the same amount, 76%, answered “no” when asked if the Trump administration understands how immigration reform will affect SMBs.

For respondents sponsoring H-1B visas, the lottery has 71% of them “stressed out,” according to TriNet. Additionally, 59% of respondents want greater allocation for SMBs in the H-1B visa lottery and 68% of respondents find it disruptive to their business when their H-1B visa applications don’t get selected.

The survey found small businesses are also concerned about the larger effects of immigration reform, with 83% of respondents reporting that not being able to hire foreign nationals would have a negative impact on the US economy, with the same amount agreeing that immigration regulations will become more burdensome in the next four years.

“Hiring and retaining top talent is a key factor for the success of any business,” TriNet President and CEO Burton Goldfield said. “Many of our clients depend on finding the best talent by casting a wide net for their recruiting efforts. This often means hiring qualified foreign nationals. While many small businesses agree that some type of immigration reform is necessary, it is imperative that the Trump administration listens to small business needs when making any changes to our current immigration policy.”

TriNet conducted the survey between March 22 and March 31, 2017, with 751 people responding. Respondents are from TriNet client companies in industries with a high likelihood of having or needing foreign national employees.