As the Gang of Eight’s immigration legislation continues through the amendment process, it is important to remember the reason we need reform. Our immigration system is broken. Simply broken. With the growing population of immigrants, from agricultural workers to CEOs of tech companies, the United States must be prepared to accept those eager to contribute to our nation.
I am a first-generation immigrant. And I am a conservative. We came to the U.S. with my father on an H-1B visa. And I am incredibly grateful that this great country gave us the opportunity to come and contribute. This particular visa encourages the best and brightest to come work, eventually leading to their permanent stay and a long-term positive impact on our economy.
A critical piece of this proposed legislation increases the amount of H-1B visas issued annually. Currently, the H-1B program issues 65,000 visas each year. This number will increase to 110,000 initially with potential growth of 10,000 more annually. With this significant increase, more innovators and entrepreneurs like my father will have the opportunity to bring success into the country. Their success creates jobs for Americans, prompting positive economic growth that benefits us all.
The current legislation also provides a pathway to citizenship for those already living and working in the United States. After proving they are employed, paying owed taxes, and passing a background check among other guidelines, immigrants can become lawful permanent residents. And set on a path to contributing to our economy. It is clear this legislation is seeking to encourage legal immigration through fair and practical reform and fix a very broken immigration system.
I am encouraging Sen. Roy Blunt to support comprehensive reform, and offer tomorrow’s leaders the opportunity that was afforded to me.
Mark Sutherland • Barnhart
