As 2015 comes to a close, presidential contenders are already talking about what will likely be the biggest issue of 2016 - immigration. Election seasons are typically the times when our country grapples with its toughest questions, and there will be none bigger next year than the issue of immigration, especially as it pertains to creating pathways to allow international entrepreneurs, startups, and professionals to work in the U.S.
If America seeks to grow its economy and stimulate job growth, then the most pressing issue we must tackle is reforming our antiquated immigration system. Closing our doors to the world's entrepreneurs or limiting U.S. tech companies from hiring the best and brightest global talent will not solve the problem. It will make matters worse.
The U.S. has long been the destination for the world’s hardest working, entrepreneurial, and talented immigrants. Unfortunately, our nation's immigration laws have remained virtually unchanged since the 1960s and do not take into consideration our current economy and our need to attract and retain highly-skilled foreign professionals. Meanwhile, countries like China, Chile, Singapore, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the United Kingdom have adapted their immigration policies to attract startups and top global talent to their countries.
While it is true that immigration law and enforcement are complex issues, it is up to us as U.S. citizens to push our elected officials to institute a new system that allows us to act more quickly, uniformly, intelligently, and humanely on immigration matters. Continuing to allow our government to place arbitrary limits on our immigration system, particularly the inadequate supply of green cards and H-1B visas for highly-skilled international professionals, will continue to restrict our country’s ability to compete in the global battle for talent and innovation.
While I expect the national debate on immigration to heat up over the next 12 months, mark my words, this is just the beginning, but hopefully a beginning for meaningful change toward the advancement of our country.
