The Secure Immigration Alliance applauds Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) for introducing the State Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act of 2026.

For too long, our federal immigration system has applied a one-size-fits-all approach to a country where labor needs vary enormously from state to state. A rural community facing agricultural labor or physician shortages has little in common with a metropolitan area seeking technology or skilled trade workers, yet both are forced to navigate the same antiquated legal immigration system. Senators Curtisand Kelly deserve real credit for recognizing this problem and offering a solution that gives governors and state legislatures more of a role in addressing their unique workforce needs.

This legislation would allow states to sponsor immigrant workers tailored to their specific workforce demands — whether in agriculture, construction, healthcare, hospitality, or advanced manufacturing — while remaining accountable to strict federal oversight of the number of visas available and vetting. It is a practical, federalist approach to a problem that has stymied Washington for decades, and it reflects the kind of cross-party cooperation that is too rare in today's political climate.

We also want to commend the senators for pairing this workforce-focused reform with clear commitments to strong border security and rigorous vetting of immigrant talent. By ensuring that every worker who enters through a state-sponsored pathway is properly screened and accounted for, this bill strengthens both our economy and our national security at the same time.

The Secure Immigration Alliance believes that meeting America's workforce needs and safeguarding our borders can and must go hand in hand. We thank Senators Curtis and Kelly for their leadership on this issue and stand ready to work with them to strengthen and pass this legislation.