Wall Street Journal (Article by Amelia Harris): New York City's main business group is calling for revamped federal immigration policies to maintain the U.S. role as a global magnet for talented employees.
In a report released Tuesday, the Partnership for New York City claims that immigration laws have failed to keep up with the country's economic needs. The report, co-written with the Partnership for a New American Economy, describes current immigration policies as irrational and undirected, citing low limits on visas and bureaucratic obstacles to hiring.
The 48-page paper argues that the U.S. faces a stalled economy and shortage of workers in growing innovation industries like science, technology and engineering without changes. Immigration roadblocks in the U.S. send entrepreneurs to other countries, who are quick to welcome them, the report said.
Elsewhere, countries like Australia, Canada, Ireland and Singapore have prioritized economic needs over politics by streamlining immigration procedures for highly qualified workers and international students. Canada and Ireland, in particular, have succeeded in attracting immigrant investors and entrepreneurs.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, speaking at the New York Forum where the report was launched Tuesday morning, blamed politics for blocking needed immigration reforms.
"It's crazy if you think government's job is to look to the future for America's economy and our society and education," he said. "It is not crazy if you think government's job is to keep their own party in power and to pander to the public."
"We have walked away from our future because political leaders are focused on being re-elected," Bloomberg added. "We are not looking at the benefits of immigration. We have walked away from what made this country great."
The mayor rehearsed New York's long history of growth fueled by those born overseas. He said the city would be first in line if the U.S. adopted a regional strategy like Canada, where states can target the workers required for specific industries.
"We will take as many [immigrants] as we can get," Bloomberg said.
The report outlined six recommended changes, including awarding more green cards based on economic needs and scrapping the 65,000 cap on high-skill H1B visas.
Approximately 15% of green cards are awarded based on employment needs, but the report claimed that about half of those go to spouses and children. In contrast, the report said, a quarter of Canadian visas were for economic reasons; in Australia the figure is more than 40%.
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