Immigration
Overview
Background: Startups and entrepreneurship in the United States are the foundation for economic success and advancement. An integral part of this equation is immigrant entrepreneurs who build and grow their businesses in the U.S.
The issue: The outdated immigration system imposes barriers on U.S. competitiveness and puts the country at risk of losing access to the best and brightest talent from around the world.
A recent study found that immigrants have started more than half of America’s startup companies valued at $1 billion or more. Venture-backed companies with at least one immigrant founder include iconic American companies like:
- Moderna
- eBay
- Intel
- Tesla Motors
Policy Recommendations
NVCA’s policy recommendations include:
- Creating a Startup Visa to bring top entrepreneurs to our shores.
- Developing a STEM Visa to attract advanced degree holders.
- Reforming the H-1B program to serve our nation’s needs.
Dive deeper: NVCA’s report, “Immigrant Entrepreneurs Can Drive Economic Growth in the Pandemic Recovery,” details why America’s immigration policy must reform to ensure that talented entrepreneurs create and grow startups in the U.S., rather than overseas.
NVCA_Visa_Reforms_book_FINALMeet The Policy Expert
Jonas Murphy
Manager of Government Affairs