Bloomberg Cites Immigration Reform As Key To Economic Recovery

By Adrianna McGinley

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed an overhaul of the immigration system as a bipartisan key to economic recovery and job creation.

During a speech Wednesday at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in D.C., Bloomberg proposed reform focused on opening pathways for international students, entrepreneurs and temporary workers, citing that a mere 15 percent of visas are given for economic reasons, a number that he says drastically lessens the U.S. ability to compete globally.

“Allocating only 15 percent of visas based on economics is just terrible public policy, and it really is holding our economy back. In today’s global marketplace we cannot afford to keep turning away those with skills that our country needs to grow and to succeed. It is sabotaging our economy, I’ve called it national suicide, and I think it really is.”

He said the U.S. can no longer rely on its position as the world’s super power of innovation, as other countries emerge as strong competitors.

“America no longer is the inevitable crossroads for enterprise and innovation. Countries from Asia to South America now beckon with opportunity, so the United States simply has to compete like never before for talent.”

Bloomberg cited programs in China offering incentives including tax breaks, affordable loans, and start up capital for those who study overseas to return to China once they graduate. He said not providing a path for these students to remain and work in the U.S. is “about the dumbest thing we can do” since two-thirds of those earning Ph.D.s in computer science or engineering in the U.S. are foreign students.

“We are saying to those who dream of becoming Americans, who dream of coming here to work and start businesses, we don’t need you, we don’t need your sweat or your skills, we don’t need your ideas or your innovations, but nothing, nothing could be further from the truth,” Bloomberg said. “We desperately need immigrants who want to come here to work, who have the skills our companies need to succeed. The American dream cannot survive if we keep telling the dreamers to go elsewhere.”

Bloomberg urged the public to contact their representatives to push for immigration reform.

Bill Richardson asks, "Where is America?"

The Organization of American States welcomed the governor of New Mexico and former Presidential candidate, Bill Richardson, to speak as part of their lecture series. The discussion om "Immigration and Hemispheric Affairs" focused mainly on immigration and economical ties between Latin America and the United States.

Speaking very passionately at times, Richardson stressed that economic ties must be renewed and enhanced. "I believe that the United States must renew and invigorate it's relationships with Latin America based on the same principles of engagement and dialogue and cooperation."

Richardson then went on to explain his six step plan to revitalize the relationship between Latin America and the United States, and some of his points included closing Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, improving human rights, having a realistic approach to Cuba and reviewing the trade embargo.

Immigration was then discussed and the idea of constructing a wall along the Mexican border was quickly dismissed by Richardson. He then went on to say that "liberty and progress walk hand in hand" when discussing furthering trade and democracy. Richardson ended his speech with some points on the lack of US investments overseas and from his dismay asked, "Where is America?"