San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
EXECUTIVES
YES
Locally, companies like Qualcomm are seeking highly skilled talent to hire for specific jobs regardless of country of origin. Usually these are for Stem-oriented positions that require specific degrees and years of specialized technological experience. It’s estimated that there are more than 700,000 open tech jobs in the U.S. If companies are unable to find the domestic talent with the required skills and education necessary for these positions, then the U.S. should have more legal immigration to help fuel future economic growth.
YES
Migrants are consumers, contributors and job creators. Legal migrants (e.g. graduates of our top universities) are essential to maintain our innovation edge. Nearly one-third of all businesses started in the last 10 years and 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies were started by migrants. While I understand the argument that high-volume, low-skilled immigration disproportionately competes with our most vulnerable populations, the overall impact remains positive. A reasonably sized, socio-economically diverse addition of citizens keeps our economy growing.
NO
It is not legal immigrants that we need, rather it is a guest worker visa program where visas are given for a limited time and workers return to their home country annually. There would be no bringing the family, asylum claims or access to public benefits. Employers pay for health insurance and a substantial “promise to return” cash bond is forfeited if the foreign worker disappears. Current illegal immigrants could apply for a visa.
YES
We are a country of immigrants, and legal immigration will continue to be good for the economy, particularly if it is targeted to professionals and others whose skills are needed. For example, the Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of between 46,900 and 121,900 physicians by 2032. While we should increase U.S. physician training, legal immigration of physicians will probably be required if we are to fill that shortage and protect our economy.