NRCA continues to request stability and support from administration

By Dani Sheehan. 

As immigration policies shift, NRCA urges DHS for clarity and transition time to protect employers and workers. 

As recent federal immigration actions continue to affect millions of workers across the United States, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) joined with allied business associations in a formal request to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) asking for clear guidance and a transition period to help businesses comply with these changes without disrupting operations or harming valued employees. Here’s what you need to know. 

What’s happening and why it matters 

The federal government has recently ended or changed several programs that previously granted temporary legal status and work authorization to individuals from countries including Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Nepal, Cameroon and others. These programs include: 

• The CHNV Parole Program (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela) 
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for multiple countries 
• Legal status granted through the CBP One app 
• Work authorization under DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) 
• Student visa programs and protections 

Together, these changes could impact over a million workers across various industries, including roofing, who are legally employed in the U.S. but may now lose their right to work. 

What NRCA and other business leaders are asking for 

In their letter to DHS, the coalition of business groups ask for help navigating the changes to these programs. Specifically, they are requesting: 

• Clear guidance on how to identify which employees are affected by these changes 
• Instructions on when and how to reverify worker eligibility under federal law (Form I-9 compliance) 
• A limited transition period before enforcement takes full effect so employers can take appropriate action without causing unnecessary harm to workers or operations 
• Educational resources to help small businesses understand what’s expected of them 

What it means for the roofing industry 

The roofing industry relies heavily on a diverse, skilled workforce that includes many foreign-born workers. These rapid changes could create uncertainty for contractors who: 

• May not realize some employees are suddenly no longer authorized to work 
• Don’t have internal HR systems capable of tracking immigration status change 
• Face legal risks if they fail to reverify employment eligibility properly 
• Could lose valued workers with little-to-no notice, affecting productivity and project timelines 

Without clear guidance and time to prepare, many contractors, especially small and mid-sized businesses, may unintentionally fall out of compliance or face significant workforce disruptions. 

What you can do to stay prepared 

While the NRCA’s request is still under review, you can start taking proactive steps to safeguard both their workers and their businesses: 

1. Review employee records: Make sure all I-9 forms are current and that expiration dates for work authorization documents are tracked. 
2. Stay informed: Follow NRCA updates and DHS announcements about immigration policy changes and compliance expectations. 
3. Consult legal counsel: If you’re unsure how these changes affect your team, speak with an immigration or labor law attorney. 
4. Communicate with your team: Be transparent with your crew. Let them know you’re monitoring the situation and want to support them within the bounds of the law. 
5. Support reform efforts: The NRCA is advocating for modernized, legal workforce pathways. Consider contacting your elected officials to support practical, pro-business immigration solutions that benefit the construction industry. 

As this letter to DHS underscores, employers and employees need time and clarity to ensure they are following the law properly. As the rules shift, it’s critical that business owners anticipate coming changes to remain compliant and to protect the skilled workers who help keep your company running.