Immigrants’ contributions

The city of Detroit has a formula to solve the problems that led it into bankruptcy: immigration.

Michigan’s governor, Republican Rick Snyder, decided that the best way to attract people to the city in order to revitalize it is asking foreigners to move there. With this goal in mind, Snyder asked the federal government to set aside 50,000 EB-2 visas—in a five-year period—for the city, which is undergoing bankruptcy. At the same time, Snyder would like to have tens of thousands of foreign students who are attending Michigan’s colleges and universities stay in the state after graduation.

The governor’s request surprised federal officials, since the issuance of this type of visa, which is for professionals with degrees or individuals with exceptional ability in arts, the sciences or business, is not connected to a specific area of the country.

It is not unusual for immigration to be seen as a positive force to boost the renaissance of a city. The governor recognized the work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants, saying that for every job that goes to an immigrant, 2.5 jobs are created for citizens.

It is true that Snyder’s emphasis is on specialized immigrants. However, the economic needs of the U.S. are not limited to them. What the country needs are young workers who help retirees through their contributions, a tax base that contributes through consumption and a stable workforce to do the jobs no one else wants. All this also helps the United States and its cities, like Detroit.

Various industries and numerous impartial studies have recognized the contributions of immigrants. It is time for the House of Representatives’ Republican majority to become aware of this real contribution, so that they are able to leave behind the negative stereotypes that block comprehensive immigration reform.