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Brookings Institute, Frankel says that is because less than 20 percent of foreign “The great social
students studying in the US will be able to secure optional practical training
upon their undergraduate graduation with the hope of earning sponsorship to adventure of America is
an H-1B temporary work permit. And the cost to US Employers [$1000+ per no longer the conquest
application] is speculative because there is a cap on sponsorships. Frankel writes
that by the end of 2014 there may be 124,000 petitions for the H-1B visas. of the wilderness but
Many of these petitions may not be granted so thousands of these international the absorption of
students will return to their native country.
”different peoples.
Rey Pezeshkan, Iranian –born, Founder of PK Studios, –Walter Lippmann
Inc. in Naples, whose team of architects and planners have
designed over 5000 units and commercial buildings in borders as critical to the nation. But economically, it is
SWFL, is upset about the international student situation. not viable to “round up and ship out”illegal immigrants.
So, policy makers should study the pros and cons of
“The USA is really a strong beacon for many of the Ronald Reagan’s 1986 immigration bill, that offered
world’s most talented youngsters. We educate too many some amnesty,” Samuel said. ”Providing some type of
kids who must leave after they graduate from our colleges limited amnesty makes moral and economic sense and
and universities. We should do all we can to make it easier is in the best interest of the country,” Samuel said.
for them to stay, get American jobs and help our nation
grow,” Pezeshkan says. “While limited amnesty (with a tax clause), and
“The USA provides opportunities that do not exist anywhere else in the perhaps full citizenship over time is probably a good
world for those who are smart, talented and want to work hard,” Pezeshkan says. first step, full amnesty (immediate citizenship) I
“We should staunch this brain-drain of international students having to leave believe is a mistake right now for myriad of reasons.
America after they graduate,” he said. Policy makers should study the effects (both positive
Over a ten-year period The Greater Naples Chamber, helped sponsor three and negative) of the 1986 Reagan bill.
foreign-born professionals through the process for US Citzenship. One was
from the United Kingdom, one was from Colombia, and one was from Turkey. “Any reform,” Samuel says, “need to be nuanced so
All were successful, important to The Chamber’s progress and today all are that it gives existing illegals a chance to be citizens by
successfully employed and flourishing. But their journey took several years and being productive, law abiding people who are paying
cost each several thousand dollars, primarily in attorney fees. There were many into the system (via tax) so there is a net positive effect
moments of angst along the way. on our economy.”
“We should not discourage some immigrants to knock
on the doors. Letting people into America with skills and “Immigration reform is complicated, but it’s
money to invest should not be a disputed topic. This county not impossible and the economic upside could be
has been very good to me–to my business career and to my tremendous,” Samuel said.
personal life and I would choose this country again!” Says
Ekkehard Grampp, former CEO of German subsidiary in THE BOTTOM-LINE
the US and now one of the SCORE leaders in SWFL.
So,what should be done for the educated and professional Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author,
foreign-borns seeking US citizenship? Nicholas Kristof,thinks most who seek U.S.citizenship
Perhaps, realtor Rowan Samuel, a Naples resident who possess but undaunted courage and ambition for a
was born in Zimbabwe, summarized it best for those we better life. “What separates their families from most of
interviewed: ours is simply the passage of time — and the lottery of
“Historically, immigration is what made America so birth,“ he wrote in a recent New York Times column.
successful - the “melting pot” of people who were escaping
economic distress and cultural and religious persecution - “The United States will need to pass immigration
those who were willing to work hard to make a better life reform to keep up with increasing trends both
for themselves and their families – it’s what makes America the greatest country domestically and internationally,” writes Jennifer
in the world…The American Dream. I believe it is critical to have a policy that Frankel.
makes common sense, while still enabling a pathway to citizenship,”Samuel said.
“Of course, illegal immigrants come to the US for a better life, have a financial “The change immigration reform can bring will
impact on America and are an economic engine with positives (a cheap labor depend on the voice of those who will advocate for the
pool who spend the money they earn here, for example) and negatives (crime by policies in place. If you are interested in taking a stand,
some who cannot get jobs or choose this path) that need to managed,” he says. “she argues; “Let your Senator and Congressional
“Conversely, terrorism is a growing concern and Americans view secure Representative know you support immigration reform.”
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