American youth just as capable as outsiders of growing economy

American youth just as capable as outsiders of growing economy

A critical point of conten- tion in our country is immigration, illegal and otherwise. While there are several arguments for or against, the argument of Google’s executive chairman on why work visas given to skilled workers should be increased is truly absurd.

Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Google, chose to encourage Congress to increase the visas of highly skilled workers as outlined in the bill sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, because “it would grow the American economy as they would come to our country and start their own businesses and create companies that would compete with us.”

The statement itself is insulting to the brilliant minds of American youth today. Why do we have to go out of the country to build our economy? Universities and technical schools across this country are full of bright, young people with creative and competitive ideas.

Schmidt claims this a “brilliant strategy.” I call it a blatant insult. Instead of making it easier for “very, very smart people” as he calls them to come here and grow our economy, why not create more incentive and friendly competition among American youth?

I find it hard to believe that there is not a wealth of creativity and unique ideas in the minds of the exceptional American youth in our country today. While it is true we had fallen behind in science and technology in the past, schools across the country are making strides in exposing our youth to a broader range of STEM programs that are helping them realize their potential in these areas.

Rather than members of Congress introducing bills that would bring immigrants to our country to compete with our youth, why not introduce legislation that would give our own young Americans opportunities to express and create their own competition? Give the youth of our country incentives to go to technical schools, create scholarships and grants that will reward initiative and service in the areas of science and technology. Let us tap into the wealth that is our own country rather than look abroad.

Giuliana Davanzo, Lowellville