Webinar — Navigating Immigration: What Businesses and Organizations Need to Know
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) (CDT)
Description

Webinar - Navigating Immigration: What Businesses and Organizations Need to Know
📆 Tuesday, August 25, 2026
🕗 12:00 - 1:00 PM CT
💻 Virtual via Zoom
Immigration policies and processes have a direct impact on businesses, organizations, employees, families, and communities. This timely webinar will provide an employer-focused look at the current immigration landscape, the complexities of legal immigration pathways, and the important role immigrants play in our workforce and economy.
Attendees will gain a broader understanding of an issue that is often viewed as complex or highly politicized, along with practical information and actionable steps business and organizational leaders can take. Register now to join us and our immigration and workforce expert speakers for this timely conversation.
Featured Speakers
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| Chelsie Kramer Texas State Organizer American Immigration Council ![]() | Andrea Castaneda-Lauver Business Engagement and Workforce Advance Associate National Immigration Forum ![]() |
Chelsie Kramer is the Texas State Organizer for the American Immigration Council and also leads Texans for Economic Growth, the Council’s statewide business coalition. Since 2018, she has worked to ensure the Texas business community is at the table with policymakers to advance commonsense immigration policies that benefit all Texans, including the millions of immigrants who call the state home. Her career spans more than 15 years at the intersection of business and public policy, including service as a legislative staffer for a prominent Republican state senator over multiple legislative sessions. She has also held key roles in political campaigns ranging from Texas House and Senate races to statewide contests. Chelsie is known for building coalitions, guiding legislative strategy, and helping business leaders effectively engage in immigration policymaking—grounded in the belief that good policy starts with education. A proud graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in political science, she resides in the Houston metro area but frequently travels across the state to stay connected to regional leaders and issues. | Andrea Castaneda-Lauver is the Business Engagement and Workforce Advance Associate at the National Immigration Forum, where she partners with Houston-area companies to strengthen their teams and stabilize their workforces by supporting immigrant employees through practical, business-minded solutions, like citizenship advance and workforce stabilization tools. In addition to her work with employers, Andrea serves as the Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas mobilizer for the Forum’s Bibles, Badges, and Business for Immigration Reform initiative. Through this national network of conservative and moderate faith, law enforcement, and business leaders, she helps build common ground around immigration policy rooted in shared values like strong families, safe communities, and a thriving economy. Andrea brings almost a decade of experience in ministry, community leadership, and relationship-building across lines of difference. She holds a B.A. from Southern Nazarene University and is passionate about equipping leaders to invest in both their workforce and their communities. |
Understanding Today’s Immigration Landscape
Learn how current immigration policies are shaping workplaces, industries, and communities. This discussion will explore:
- The impact of current immigration policies on businesses, organizations and the workforce
- The complexities surrounding legal immigration pathways
- The contributions immigrants make to the economy and local communities
- Practical considerations for workforce planning and organizational operations
Supporting Employees Through the Citizenship Advance Program

The webinar will also introduce the Citizenship Advance program, a free and confidential resource for Houston-area businesses interested in supporting eligible employees through the naturalization process.
The program provides participants with access to a secure online portal, trusted legal review, interview preparation, and bilingual support in English and Spanish.
Attendees will learn how supporting employee naturalization can:
- Strengthen workforce stability and long-term employee security
- Support employee recruitment, retention, and productivity
- Reduce barriers, misinformation, and work authorization renewal delays
- Demonstrate a meaningful investment in employees and workforce inclusion
Who Should Attend
Business and organizational leaders, employers, human resources professionals, workforce development teams, legal and compliance professionals, employee resource group leaders, and community-based organizations are encouraged to attend.
This webinar is presented as part of our Issues That Matter Series. Register today to gain timely insights and practical information.
By registering and/or attending a Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce program or event, you agree to Chamber's Terms of Use & Policies.






