Partnership for a New American Economy

News 14 Carolina
March 12, 2012

Some North Carolina companies think federal immigration policies limit hiring talented employees needed to compete in a global market.

The immigration debate has been a difficult one in this country, but prominent firms like SAS and the Lord Corporation are calling for government help to hire immigrants with the skills they need.

They were a couple of the companies at a Cary conference that discussed easing some immigration rules.

“Smarter immigration reform is a cost-free way without spending a nickel or cutting a single tax. It would be a great way to stimulate the economy and form jobs around the country,” said Robert Feldstein, from the Office of Policy and Strategic Planning in New York City.

Some companies need skilled immigrant workers to expand their operations. High-tech firms especially said the government needs to ease the rules for getting temporary or permanent work visas.

Click here to read the full story.

China Daily
March 12, 2012

The overstuffed bags filling Fernando Mello's luggage cart wobbled precariously as the gym owner made his way home one morning through Rio's international airport. Navigating the terminal, Mello was part of a horde of other Brazilian travelers returning with loot found in the strip malls and discount outlets of southern Florida.

Mello's girlfriend's freshly purchased Michael Kors handbag in gold lamé sat atop four bulging suitcases like a shining crown — a testament to the newfound consumer power of Brazilian travelers, who now spend more per capita than any other visitors to the United States.

In fact, Brazilians are spending so much that flights with Brazil's top airline TAM originating in the United States have had to carry more fuel to accommodate the dramatically overweight baggage.

Click here to read the full story.

The Sacramento Bee
March 10, 2012

President Barack Obama's decision to speed up visa processing for low-risk Chinese and Brazilian travelers will give the recovering U.S. economy a welcome jolt of new energy this summer and beyond.

The president's executive order, which he announced at Disney World earlier this year, is projected to create 1.3 million jobs and produce more than $860 billion in economic activity.

The first wave of new Chinese and Brazilian business and leisure travelers could come early this summer, given the demand at the five U.S. consulates in China and the four in Brazil.

Click here to read the full story.

The News & Observer
March 9, 2012

The national debate on immigration is broken. As a result, we are hurting our country's economic future by ignoring the many contributions of immigrants to the United States.

Indeed, America's fourth president, James Madison once stated, "America was indebted to immigration for her settlement and prosperity." Although much has changed since the 19th century, the economic and cultural benefits of immigration have remained constant over time. The positive impact immigrants have on our nation's economy, entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation have been proven in multiple academic studies, and in the Triangle the value of immigration is easily observed within our region.

Among its many attractions, one of the most notable features of the greater Raleigh area is the Research Triangle Park. Since its inception in 1959, RTP has grown into a global hub for research and development corporations. RTP is now home to more than 170 global companies, including big names such as IBM, Syngenta and Cisco.

Click here to read the full story.