Business and the Workforce
Immigrants not only bring diverse skills and perspectives to the U.S. workforce, they often fill employment gaps in crucial fields. We advocate for expanded work visas and related programs so our labor force can continue to benefit from immigrant workers and remain competitive in the global economy
Opinion: Skilled Immigrants Are Uptapped Assets for Regional Economic Development
National Journal October 17, 2012 What do Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Dayton, Ohio, have in common? Each of these cities has endured decades of shrinking population—and each has recently identified skilled immigrants as a vital component of a healthy economy. Their economic-development agendas recognize that attracting and retaining talented newcomers… Read More
Study Shows Immigration May Boost St. Louis Economy
St. Louis Public Radio October 17, 2012 A Saint Louis University economist thinks he has found a key to growth for St. Louis. Professor Jack Strauss presented his findings this afternoon from an economic study that shows a direct correlation between an increasing immigrant population and economic growth. The… Read More
DREAMing of Economic Growth
Center for American Progress October 12, 2012 During an election year dominated by concerns about our economy, policymakers and voters easily draw connections between domestic issues, such as education, Medicare, or tax policies, and the health of our economy. But so far public discourse hasn’t connected the dots between… Read More
Arizona-Style Immigration Laws Hurt the Economy
Forbes October 12, 2012 With the “papers please” portion of Arizona’s recent immigration law SB 1070 going into effect, civil rights and watchdog groups are in overdrive readying for the litany of purported abuses and complaints. Lydia Guzman, president of Respect Respeto, a civil rights group in Arizona that… Read More
Embrace Hispanics’ Role In Strengthening Our Economy
The Tennessean October 11, 2012 As our country celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s not difficult to find areas where this nation continues to benefit from the significant contributions of the Hispanic immigrants who’ve come to our shores. Just last week, Americans witnessed Venezuelan-born Miguel Cabrera capture baseball’s Triple Crown,… Read More
The Immigrant Exodus: Why Washington Needs to Listen
Council on Foreign Relations October 10, 2012 I had the pleasure of hosting an event last week for Vivek Wadhwa to discuss his important and troubling new book, The Immigrant Exodus. Wadhwa, an entrepreneur turned scholar, has done more than anyone else to call attention to the critical role… Read More
Is Unwelcoming Immigration Law Choking The US Economy?
Mindful Money October 4, 2012 The US may have to make dramatic changes to its unwelcoming immigration system if the country is to hold onto its strong entrepreneurial culture. Research by the Kauffman Foundation argues that the country’s “unwelcoming” immigration system has led to a “reverse brain drain” that… Read More
Why Silicon Valley Is Losing Its Luster
CNN World October 3, 2012 Silicon Valley has been a key driver of U.S. growth in the last two decades. Just look at the rise of Apple, Google, and Facebook, and all the jobs and opportunities and new communities they’ve created. But the “secret sauce” behind this success might… Read More
With the Economy Sputtering, Obama Must Allow High-Skilled Immigrants
Forbes October 3, 2012 In the heated immigration debate, a bright spot has emerged—the bipartisan consensus that high-skilled immigrants benefit the economy. Yet even as Congressional Democrats and Republicans introduced competing bills this month to increase high-skilled immigration, the Obama administration is preparing to implement regulations that will restrict… Read More
Immigrant Entrepreneurship Has Stagnated For First Time In Decades, Says New Study
Forbes October 2, 2012 Immigrant entrepreneurs have always had a significant impact on U.S. culture and economy, and that continues to be true today. Immigrants started 28% of all new U.S. businesses in 2011, despite accounting for just 12.9% of the U.S. population, according to “Open For Business: How… Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.