A Policy That Exiles Common Sense

A Policy That Exiles Common Sense

"Where would the U.S. be without the bright, industrious immigrants? If Washington doesn't change its immigration laws, we may soon find out.
"Do you mind if we stop at my university?" Dr. Wen-Bin Yan, our vice-president of research, asked me, a hint of apology in his voice. We were in Beijing for business, but I was almost as eager as he to see his alma mater, considered the top university in China. Plus, I had an inkling of what it meant to him to return there. Dr. Yan was in the first class of Chinese allowed to return in 1978 to college after Mao's mad and murderous Cultural Revolution closed the universities for a decade. Only one out of every 50 applicants was selected, and he was among those who were extremely grateful for the opportunity."

- Lisa makes a very good point but it doesn't just apply to scientists and college professors. I have a friend here from Bangladesh. He brought his wife and his daughter was born here, so she is a U.S. citizen. They decided that she should take the baby to Bangladesh so that the family could see her. Now she is stuck there waiting for a VISA to come back to the U.S.. Her husband is a great and inspiring programmer who is very good at what he does and contributes greatly to the company that he works for. The strain on him must be enormous. He has told me that he loves America and would like to stay, and I think America would only benefit if he did, but now he is not sure if he can, if they don't let his wife back in. It is not just this friend either. I know other good and hardworking people who are encountering the same problems. America was created by immigrants and it seems as if the current policy is to allow no foreigners in at all...even if they will make the country greater. Another friend of mine who owns several businesses in Brazil wants to come to America to set up business deals but the U.S. is refusing to give him a VISA because they believe he may try to stay. This is a man who is very successful in his business, owns several homes, has a large family and they believe he will drop it all to come to America and work as a janitor. It makes no sense. If our current policies don't change I can only see America's ability and status as a world leader hurt in the long run. -ed.
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