Bill on Immigration (Bill Gates, That Is)
I try to avoid being political in this newsletter, but in this case I'm making
an exception.
Here's the backdrop: Bill Gates has long argued for loosening
our Visa rules so companies such as Microsoft can bring in smart people.
Bill made this same case in a speech
a few weeks ago in front of the U.S. House of Representatives.
I happen to agree with him. I'm pretty hardcore when it comes to illegal immigration
-- and not because I dislike immigration. Just the opposite; I love immigration.
My feeling is that illegal immigration restricts a country's ability to welcome
legal immigrants. A country should be able to define its immigration strategy,
and has the right to give preference to highly educated immigrants.
I know some people are threatened by smart newcomers stealing the best jobs;
things might get more competitive. But how many startups are started up by foreigners?
Smart immigrants build economic leadership, invent new things and create some
pretty sweet jobs.
Tell me where I'm wrong at [email protected].
Posted by Doug Barney on March 31, 2008