Firms call for new US visas for foreign entrepreneurs
January 04 2010 by Liam Clifford
Established technology firms call for the US government to release more US visas.
Established
firms based in California’s Silicon Valley, many of which were started by
immigrants living in the US, are calling on the US immigration authorities to
release new US visas for entrepreneurs from abroad.
The Silicon Valley
region has a reputation as a centre for hi-tech industry. Now, companies based
there want the US to launch a new Founders Visa, which will award foreign
entrepreneurs US visas in exchange for them launching companies in the
US.
Without foreign talent the region would not be what it is today, they
argue. The business men and women are now fronting an internet campaign to put
pressure on the government to ensure the region’s reputation can live on with
the help of firms started by talented foreigners living and indeed working in
the US.
The campaign’s major focus points include the fact that many
young people from abroad who are studying in the US are currently made to return
home after their studies, instead of being encouraged to contribute further to
the US economy. The campaigners also argue against the issuing of
employment-based work visas that force people to work for large corporations
only.
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