Featured Priority Tour on Immigration Reform with Representative Randy Feenstra

The Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Ames Chamber of Commerce co-hosted Representative Randy Feenstra at the Ames Chamber of Commerce to highlight the need for talent and immigration reform. As part of its advocacy efforts, The Partnership is working with all members of Iowa's Congressional delegation to plan events in Greater Des Moines (DSM) during the remainder of 2021 to discuss featured policy priorities for the region. This event focused on The Partnership’s Federal Featured Priority of Immigration Reform, inviting industry leaders to a roundtable discussion with Representative Feenstra. This roundtable was an example of how intersections between the public and private sectors are needed to support immigration reform to best serve the state’s international students and talent development in Story County and the entire region.

Immigration in Ames + Beyond

The Ames Chamber of Commerce celebrates immigrants and international students in our community and in our Chamber. Iowa State University has an international student population of 2,532, approximately 8.2% of the student body, spanning 112 countries. This compares to the 6% of Iowans that are immigrants, comprising of approximately 175,137 people. The Ames Chamber wants to emphasize our support for immigration and student visa reform to further cultivate our welcoming community and talent development efforts.

Immigration Reform Roundtable

Representative Feenstra joined Ames Chamber of Commerce Members in a roundtable discussion about immigration reform, concerns with supply production lines, workforce and student visas. Representative Feenstra answered questions regarding bipartisan legislation in Congress, focusing primarily on the work that he is doing to support the residents and businesses within the Ames Metropolitan Statistical (MSA) and the 4th district of Iowa.

Representative Feenstra is focused on supporting immigration student visa efforts to ease the talent shortage in the state of Iowa. We appreciate his work to support our immigrant communities in Ames MSA.

The roundtable was joined by a variety of industry leaders including: Iowa State University, Burke Corporation, Sigler, 21st Century Rehab, the City of Ames, DMACC and Renewable Energy Group.

Stay tuned for The Partnership’s future Featured Priority Tour events with other members of Iowa’s Congressional delegation.

The Partnership's Public Policy team engages with local, state and federal officials to create public policy that generates economic growth, business prosperity and talent development in Greater Des Moines (DSM). The Partnership is a nonpartisan organization.

Job opportunities and career resources are abundant in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Whether you're looking to find an internship, a job, develop professionally or grow as a student, we have the resources to help you thrive.