Comments on: Step One: Fix our immigration policy. . .

By: Pat Rowe

Pat Rowe — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:55:27 +0000

You're right- but…… asking the government to use common sense? Don't hold your breath!

By: Tara Hunt

Tara Hunt — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:27:28 +0000

I agree on the immigration reform 100% (and love Robert Glass's comment on saying adios to borders altogether)…however, I should clear up that I didn't leave the US because I needed an employer sponsor. I mean, yes, that is part of it, but I could have found another VISA or worked around it somehow (subcontracted under an American consulting firm as an independent or listed my speaker's bureau as the 'employer'). I'm back in Canada for many reasons (except for the winter!): public healthcare (was scared to death every day that my son would fall off his skateboard and I would be screwed), public school system (in shambles in places like SF, but brilliant in Canada), cost of living (cut my monthly expenses to 1/4 at the same standard of living) and just because I needed a change and Montreal is fabulous. It really is. Come visit. ;)

Oh…and yes…Canada is difficult to get into, too, but I'm surprised at Bob's comments above. The immigration here is based on a point system, so those with enough points (education, language, ability to support oneself, etc.) are pretty much guaranteed entrance (a sponsor like an employer helps, but if you have enough other points, it isn't necessary). Most countries use the point system. I suppose if there are too many applicants, qualified ones will be turned away as there is a cap each year. (but people willing to live in Saskatchewan and Manitoba for a certain number of years are let in automatically)

Really love your immigration proposal, though. It does match up with the point system in most countries.

By: Alexander Muse

Alexander Muse — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:59:15 +0000

Of course we let guys from Nigeria in to drive cabs, no problem. I say if you are well educated (especially in the US) you should be able to stay and work. Imagine having to pay for an education in the US on the sort of salary you can make in China. It doesn't add up. We need to let the smart people stay.

By: ForSubs Only

ForSubs Only — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:52:51 +0000

I know someone who went to grad school, college, got his masters and then his PhD, all in the US. And because he is not an American citizen, he needs someone to hire him so he can stay in this country. That makes no sense to me whatsoever!! He is going through the process of getting his green card now through work, but it is such a hassle. So much paperwork and so expensive.

In the meantime, I've heard of a handful of untrained people who simply got married and are now legal residents! WTF???

By: robert glass

robert glass — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:57:02 +0000

immigration and trade laws are silly by definition. open borders and open trade! everyone who disagrees is either racist or lazy!

By: Scott

Scott — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:56:21 +0000

I couldn't agree more with you on this one Alex. our immigration policies from certain points of view are great, but the bureaucracy that surrounds these basic ideals is terrible, arbitrary, and inefficient. we should be able to tell people how long the process takes with certitude, shouldn't require all this travel back and forth to no purpose, etc.

By: Bob

Bob — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 23:19:51 +0000

Gee, I don't know. We have easier immigration policies than many other countries. Maybe we shouldn't worry about it too much. I have a friend with a Masters degree in anthropology & sociology. She has a clean background, yet has ben rejected for Canadian citizenship three times now. Another friend was rejected by New Zealand. Sarah Lacy's obviously politically biased headline isn't saying much. A 3% drop? Keep in mind the shape of our economy over the past 5 years, and all of the anti-Bush sentiment. Sensible H1B policy? We have too MANY H1Bs in the Silicon Valley already! That's been a problem for many years now. She's talking out of her booty when she's bringing up xenophobia.

By: Axs

Axs — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:24:50 +0000

There are too many unqualified Americans who voiced their opinions saying that as Americans the jobs should just go to them for the asking.
Look at the the wellfare system. Many of those in the system are working the system and don’t need to be there.

“I’m an American, and I deserve this. No question asked.”
A lot of cry babies.

Want to see proof? Look for upcoming comments after mine.

By: Brian Armstrong

Brian Armstrong — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 18:33:25 +0000

I think it's a great idea. Just went back and read your immigration proposal…totally agree with the basic premise of it, if anything maybe it could be even simpler and limit the number of checks even more. Maybe even something as simple as: promise not to use any social welfare and your in, period. The commenters on that post totally missed the point of what you were saying. I absolutely support the flat tax or alternative minimum tax too (anything after $35k). The tax system we have now is so unethical and broken it's not even funny.