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
With Co-Founders in Visa Limbo, Entrepreneur Misha Esipov May Have to Move Their Startup Abroad
Imagine moving to a new country for an exciting new job. But there’s a snag: Since you have no credit history, you cannot lease a car, get a loan, or even rent an apartment. Financial tech entrepreneur Misha Esipov, 28, wants to solve the international credit problem. Read More
Immigrant Restauranteur Creates 250 American Jobs, Says Each One ‘Makes Me So Happy’
After the launch of his first restaurant — Frida Mexican Cuisine, in Beverly Hills, California — Vicente del Rio went on to open nine more Frida restaurants. Del Rio’s expansion efforts are ongoing, with another two restaurants slated to open this year. Today, his Frimex Hospitality Group currently employs more… Read More
This Entrepreneur Wants the U.S. Immigration System to Better Reward Hard Work
Jennifer Lucio Vargas has entrepreneurship in her blood. The founder and CEO of Miami’s 305 Communications and Events was born to immigrant parents from Cuba, and her father worked tirelessly to put himself through Harvard undergraduate and law school. “He worked cleaning toilets while he was in school,” she says. Read More
Thanks to DACA, Harrowing Journey of Young Boy Gets a New Ending: a Chance at Law School
Today Javier Hernández is a high-achieving college student and legal assistant who will likely pursue a career in law. And yet as a young boy in San Salvador, El Salvador, Hernández’s future wasn’t nearly so bright. In fact, he had one central fear: That when he turned 12… Read More
Chinese Immigrant Wants to Stay in the United States to Strengthen Internet of Things
Even though Yingzhe “Reginald” Fu, 25, just graduated with his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley in May 2016, the ambitious young man is already developing a company to advance the Internet of Things. That business, FingerBlocks, aims to connect people’s homes to the internet,… Read More
Advertising Executive and Long-Time Texas Republican Says U.S. Economy Depends on Immigration Reform
Today, Lionel Sosa is the founder of a $130-million advertising agency and a long-time Republican operative, who created campaigns for Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush. His success—and appreciation for the American political system—is a direct result of his status as a first-generation American. My parents… Read More
Morales Group Founder Knows Immigrants Are Vital to Filling the Indianapolis Labor Shortage
The headquarters of the Morales Group is decorated with flags of 27 countries, and the word “Welcome” written in 27 languages. It’s a reminder of the many thousands of people, from around the world that the Indianapolis-based staffing agency has helped to begin new careers in America. The Morales Group,… Read More
‘We Aren’t Protecting Ourselves When We Shun Talented, Hardworking People,’ Says Immigrant Entrepreneur
When he was 16, George Fernandez was forced to translate a devastating medical diagnosis to his mother, who didn’t speak English. “The doctor came in and told me she had cancer. I had to explain to her what this was and what was going to happen to her. I didn’t… Read More
Chamber VP Sees Firsthand How Immigrant Businesses Stimulate the Economy
Gilda Ramirez knows how much immigrants have to contribute to the United States. Her father was born in Mexico but grew up undocumented in Texas. Just after he received a letter of deportation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and went to fight in Germany during World War II. Read More
Andrés Moreno Founded the Largest Online English School. Let’s Welcome More People Like Him
At the age of 25, with just $700 in his pocket, Venezuelan-born Andrés Moreno booked a flight to Silicon Valley, California. It was the right move at the right time for the young man. In Menlo Park, Moreno raised money from angel investors, slept on friends’ sofas and spent two… Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.
