LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Immigration reform would aid business

11/24/2013

Your Nov. 16 editorial “Immigration drama” is right on. Recent statistics indicate that more than half of the students who achieve advanced degrees in sciences and engineering in American universities are foreign born.

Most of those students come to the United States on F-1 visas, earn degrees while studying in a language not their own, pray that the visa gods will shine on them long enough so they can get a work permit, and eventually qualify for a green card. Most become American citizens after they do.

It’s a tough market for technical businesses that are looking for scientifically prepared graduates in the United States. How is Toledo to rebuild its economy if a few people with money keep immigration reform for scientists and engineers from happening?

U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R., Bowling Green) knows the value of immigrant scientists. Our labs at Bowling Green State University have been a stop for him and his Republican friends in Congress. Most, if not all, of the students they met were from foreign countries who were studying for advanced degrees and hoping to live the American dream.

Get with it, Mr. Latta. America needs immigration reform now.

DOUGLAS NECKERS

Perrysburg Township

Editor’s note: The writer is founder and the former executive director of the Center for Photochemial Sciences at BGSU.