Supplier News
US – AGA applauds New Americans Success Act of 2015
By Phil - 30 July 2015
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has applauded the introduction of the New Americans Success Act of 2015 by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) that improves immigrants’ access to English language and civic programs to help them fully contribute to society and the nation’s economy.
The new bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the US House of Representatives that would promote programs that many casino gaming companies already implement to help workers boost their language skills, further their education and apply for citizenship.
“Casinos across the country rely on the many hardworking employees who are new to the United States, and we’re pleased to provide programs that help them succeed,” said Sara Rayme, Senior Vice President of public affairs. “The casino gaming industry is proud to lead the way in supporting workers of all backgrounds and experiences who seek a path to the middle class.”
Casino gaming companies provide robust benefits programs that include citizenship assistance, continuing education and language workshops. Oxford Economics, in a report released earlier this year, detailed the various employee benefits programs companies provide. Through one program, for example, employees receive a salary advance to help pay the citizenship application fee, free Rosetta Stone ESL classes and access to free workshops with leading immigration attorneys and representatives from the United States Customs and Immigration Services field office.
Casinos have helped hundreds of gaming employees become citizens.
The Oxford report, “Gaming Careers: Gateway to the Middle Class,” also found that few industries employ as diverse a workforce as gaming. Forty-five percent of gaming’s workforce is composed of racial or ethnic minority employees – far more than the US average of 33 per cent. Twenty per cent of gaming employees are Hispanic, compared to the national average of 15 per cent.
In addition to on-the-job experience and training, many gaming companies also offer flexibility for employees to pursue education and provide a path to upward mobility. More than 20 percent of gaming employees further their education and earn a degree. They also provide on-site health and wellness, daycare centers, fitness centers or gym memberships and other benefits.
