The Economic Case for Welcoming Immigrant Entrepreneurs
Immigrants have a long history of starting successful businesses in the United States. From Alexander Graham Bell to Sergey Brin, immigrants have created some of America’s most iconic companies. In fact, more than 40 percent of the Fortune 500 companies in 2010 were founded by an immigrant or the child of an immigrant. Yet, despite their vast economic contributions, U.S. law provides no dedicated means for immigrant entrepreneurs to launch innovative companies in the United States.
Research suggests a visa for entrepreneurial immigrants could boost U.S. economic growth and create American jobs. Commonly called a startup visa, this new means of entry would allow immigrant entrepreneurs to start businesses in the United States after satisfying certain funding, employment, or other requirements.
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. (2014, updated 2015). The Economic Case for Welcoming Immigrant Entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship Policy Digest. Kansas City, MO: The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Available https://www.kauffman.org/-/media/kauffman_org/resources/2015/entrepreneurship-policy-digest/september-2015/the_economic_case_for_welcoming_immigrant_entrepreneurs_updated_september_2015.pdf