September 5, 2021, 4 minutes read
Entrepreneur contributors do not necessarily agree with the opinions expressed.
Immigrant entrepreneurs have been making important and transformative contributions to America's economy for generations. Some of these entrepreneurs are household names like Nordstrom and Levis. Moderna, Zoom, SpaceX, and SpaceX are just a few of the modern success stories.
But for every immigrant who wins in this country, there are many others who don't get the chance because they have never been to the U.S. U.S. immigration laws, which date back to the 1950s, when the current framework was created, are outdated. They don't reflect the modern world or business practices. Our alphabet-soup visa system, which was established in the 1990s, is not relevant today. It was more than three decades old. Although technology and globalization have made the world more complex, the United States remains the preferred destination for many founders of startups.
Despite numerous attempts over the years to update and change this country's immigration laws, they have not been successful. There is momentum, and an opportunity right now that we can all benefit from. This will require support from many people, especially immigrant founders. Your voice is important if you are a part of the startup ecosystem. These are the three ways that you can make your voice heard.
1. Get involved in advocacy groups
Some organizations are only interested in policy issues. They conduct research on substantive issues, collect statistics, and write reports. Many of these groups focus on startups, and immigration policies that relate to them. There are many groups such as the Center for American Entrepreneurship and Engine, FWD.us and The National Foundation for American Policy. You can get to know them and become a member. Side benefit: Your network will grow and you'll meet more like-minded individuals.
Related: 5 Advantages of Being an Immigrant Entrepreneur
2. 2.Share your stories
It can be difficult to share your story, especially if you've had a rough ride, whether it was due to funding, immigration, or just life. Sharing your story can help to humanize complex issues, even if your audience has no stake in it. Your stories can be shared with the organizations mentioned above, with respected news media outlets, or among your peers. It helps to shed light on complicated problems so others can learn from them and advocate for their resolution.
Related: The Immigrant Edge - How Immigrant Millionaires Make It Work in Business
3. 3.Educate yourself
Learning by doing is the best way to learn. If you've had to deal with an immigration issue firsthand, such as being unable find the right visa category or co-founders, you can learn more about the available options and why they don't work for modern entrepreneurs. Perhaps you are a policymaker and want to learn more about the real-life effects of inadequate immigration laws. You can learn more about how to advocate and share your knowledge.
Advocacy can be a team sport. It is crucial to work together, especially when you have significant problems. The International Entrepreneur Rule was revived by the Biden administration. This is a way for entrepreneurs to show that their businesses are of significant public benefit to the U.S. but it is not a long-term solution. Congress passed a startup visa, which would provide a legal pathway for international entrepreneurs who wish to set up businesses in the United States. It will also help grow the economy and create jobs.
Related: 5 Important Lessons from Immigrant Entrepreneurs
