In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Tahmina Watson about how immigration contributes to innovation and economic growth and the future of immigration law. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Jonathan and Tahmina discussed the relationship between immigration and economic growth, emphasizing the significant contributions of immigrants to the United States' success and the need for a responsible immigration policy to address ongoing labor shortages. They highlighted the need for comprehensive immigration reform to keep up with the evolving needs of businesses and the economy, and expressed concerns about the current political climate hindering common-sense reforms. They also discussed the impact of immigration policy on the United States, with Tahmina offering her assistance through her books, podcasts, and immigration law practice.
Immigration and Economic Growth Discussion
Jonathan and Tahmina discussed the relationship between immigration and economic growth. Tahmina, an immigration attorney, shared her expertise and emphasized that immigrants have been a significant driving force in the United States' economic development and innovation. They highlighted the contributions of immigrants to the country's infrastructure and successful businesses, as well as the challenges they have faced, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act. The discussion underscored the importance of understanding and appreciating the economic benefits of immigration, despite its common portrayal as an emotionally charged political issue.
Addressing Labor Shortages and Immigration
Jonathan highlighted the ongoing labor shortages in the US, across various industries, and the need to address these through innovation, automation, and immigration. He emphasized the importance of having a responsible immigration policy to welcome highly skilled individuals to contribute and fill job vacancies. Tahmina agreed with Jonathan's points, adding that the shortage of labor is universal, affecting all industries, and shared an anecdote of a construction company owner's struggle to find suitable workers.
Immigration Reform and Addressing Labor Shortages
Tahmina emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform to keep up with the evolving needs of businesses and the economy, pointing out the current visa system's inability to adapt to the current world. She noted that the Biden Administration's policy updates, aimed at addressing unmet needs, are not being understood by the general public nor gaining traction in the news. Jonathan concurred with Tahmina, highlighting the country's productivity gains and the resulting labor shortage, which can only be resolved with an increase in skilled workers, a demand that current education systems are not meeting.
Immigration Policy and Reform Discussion
Jonathan and Tahmina discussed the issue of immigration policy and its impact on the United States. Jonathan expressed concerns about the current political climate hindering common-sense reforms, such as allowing skilled immigrants to enter the country and work. Tahmina highlighted the shortage of skilled workers in the US and how other countries, such as Canada, are attracting US-laid-off workers with more competitive visa policies. She suggested that the US could benefit from creating a visa category for startup founders and emphasized that, despite the broken system, the current visa categories do work. Tahmina encouraged people to take immigration into their own hands and offered her assistance through her books, podcasts, and immigration law practice.
Listen to the webinar here:
תגובות