Travel ban threatens to turn away innovators

How many creative geniuses will the Trump travel ban turn away?

I teach corporate creativity, and I repeatedly see how immigration produces the type of diversity that propels teams to the highest level of creative problem solving and innovation.

My grandfather cruised through Ellis Island from Russia because he was in excellent health and speaking English — becoming a skilled translator for U.S. Army forces in Siberia.

However, Charles Steinmetz, who would become one of the most creative (and unsung) geniuses of the 20th Century, was not so lucky. Barely speaking English, and standing only four feet tall with hip dysplasia and curvature of the spine, Steinmetz hobbled up to the immigration officer at Ellis Island and was immediately denied admission to our country. A friend argued that Steinmetz was a creative genius who would make American great. The officer scoffed and waved Steinmetz through the door.

Without Steinmetz’s innovations, the power grid and electrification of America would have been delayed by decades.

Thomas Edison offered Steinmetz a blank check to work for him. However, Steinmetz refused every offer, until in frustration, Edison purchased the entire company (with Steinmetz) lock, stock and barrel.

— Curtis Panasuk, San Carlos