Here is a quick thought on the recent failure of our Congress to act on immigration reform. I know a little bit about leading, and I've always found that leaders make tough decisions. That's why it's so disappointing that politics trumped policy. The issue of secure borders and creating a path to citizenship are not going away. Rather than trying to solve the problem, Congress will probably put off finding a solution for at least two years. Anybody running a company knows that we can't wait for two years to get things done. Our shareholders and associates depend upon us to make decisions and to get on with life.
So the American people should demand the same accountability from their elected officials. They must hold them accountable for making the tough decisions. It's called Profiles in Courage. I hope the United States Congress doesn't wait two years, because the issue is only going to grow in importance and immediacy - to our country, to our citizens and to our employees and associates and shareholders.
I'm Bill Marriott, and thank you for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
Missed Opportunity
Annette Singh said things very well. I couldn't agree more that we should be taking care our fellow americans. I am proud that there are so many generous people in the USA and I try and do what I can also. It is frustrating to struggle paycheck to paycheck and then see illegal immigrants get tax deductions and breaks to help them get started. I was born and raised here and no one helped me get started as well as most of my friends and family.
Posted by: Terra | 07/31/2007 at 04:45 AM
As a hotelier, I could care less about your political persuasions and opinions. The posting of this blog article make me less likely to continue adding to the 250k marriott points I already have through traveling and corporate meeting room rentals. Maybe Hilton is less likely to politicize on their blog.
Posted by: Nathaniel Rosinetti Ramano | 07/29/2007 at 01:39 PM
I smell a hidden agenda. Bill, what's your real interest in this issue?
Posted by: Lloyd Bennet | 07/26/2007 at 09:03 AM
Amen on that one! Mr. Marriott for congress!! haha. Maybe things will get taken care of then.
Posted by: Brandon Turk | 07/20/2007 at 12:54 PM
Bill-
You are right on! I am puzzled - read it flustered - at Congress' lack of action on almost anything, particularly immigration issues.
These highly-paid politicians - of both parties and let's throw in a few independents - need to bring a proposal to the fore and have the guts to vote up or down on it.
Regardless how any of us views the issue, we all agree we have serious security and immigration problems and need solutions not excuses.
Thanks, Bill, for your efforts to hold the politician's feet to the fire.
Jim Engwall
Posted by: Jim Engwall | 07/19/2007 at 01:00 PM
As a legal resident, I am afraid I have little respect for those who do not uphold the laws of the land. When my husband and I decided to leave our own country and emigrate to the USA it was a decision that we took time to consider all the pros and cons. After waiting for almost 3 years to go through the system and paying for doctors visits ordered by the US Embassy and numerous other checks to make sure we were suitable candidates. Our final interview with the US Embassy in London was the most nerveracking but exciting time of my life. I have never been happier since we finally came to the USA. I think this is the land of choice and opportunity, but is should not be the land of the freebies. I am now working on my citizenship as the USA is now my home, and once again I am going through all the checks by the government. I really dont mind this at all..I want to know that my government makes wise decisions in the running of the country. What I do object to is when others from other countries that do not have a life threatening reason to leave their own country, just land here and expect the System to take care of them, and then demand rights into the bargain. If you do not like the rules of the country, thats too bad....noone is making you come here. Marriott has a very good policy of not employing illegal immigrants...and I just wish that the government chose the same path....instead of turning a blind eye to get cheap labor. There are more than enough legal residents to take care of, and wasting money on reform for illegal visitors instead of our own homeless and poverty striken Americans is heartbreaking. Should not Charity begin at home:?...
Posted by: annette singh | 07/19/2007 at 10:35 AM
Mr. Marriott is right about Congress's indecision. As my favorite saying goes: indecision becomes decision with the passing of time. By putting off a decision on immigration, Congress has already decided.
Posted by: Hank Mancini | 07/18/2007 at 12:16 PM
Bill - I can't agree with your sentiment any more. How can we actually permit the acceptance of a valid driver's license at our northern and southern borders simply because INS cannot respond to passport requests fast enough? It is scary who might take advantage of what has now been a published weakpoint.
On a seperate note: I would like to ask your recommentddation for an excellent travel agent. Especially one that understands European travel. I used to have my hair cut at Partners and this woemn with a similar last name to yours used to be the appointment after mine. She told me about a nice car collection and I think I saw you getting onto 270 from Democracy ina burgundy S600 the other day. Yes, your Mercedes was faster than mine and I was jealous. Please send my best.
Posted by: Ed Tuvin | 07/18/2007 at 11:13 AM
I am in favor of quite a liberal legal immigration policy but Congress and major employers never really have been. They prefer various forms of indentured servitude and are generally quite pleased to have an illegal economy especially for menial work that is common in the hospitality industry.
I encourage Marriott to state its position very explicity on legal and illegal immigration and let's see if the rest of the country and our politician's could get behind it.
Posted by: Corwin Slack | 07/16/2007 at 08:33 AM