Immigration reform = growth

Charles Allison Jr.

is CEO of CWBiofuels in

New York and a member

of the Partnership for a

New American Economy

The level of uncertainty and despair stemming from Washington makes it hard to be optimistic about our nation's future. Three years into the recession, jobs have still not come back, and to many, the future still looks bleak.

But Congress can change that outlook. It can put America back on the road to job creation. And the necessary steps do not require large capital investment, new spending, or higher taxes.

There are budget-neutral ways to get companies growing again. Perhaps the most promising is to modernize our antiquated and harmful immigration laws.

The world is constantly innovating, adapting, and improving, and the United States must not fall behind. The renewable-energy industry is an excellent example of the international competitiveness taking place. America has a stake in this industry, but to compete and create jobs, we must hire the best talent. U.S. immigration regulations, however, too often prevent that.

Fortunately, there are many taking positive steps to help our nation. For example, the business leaders and mayors who make up the bipartisan Partnership for a New American Economy hope to foster immigration policies that will welcome those willing to bring their talents here and invest in American opportunities. Such groups focus on policies that will improve opportunity for growth, not stifle it.

As a CEO in the fast-growing energy sector, I know how significant immigration can be to our country's success. The goal of CWBiofuels is to produce the highest-quality biodiesel energy products possible while maintaining leadership in this competitive industry. To produce the best products and services, we must attract the most capable and skilled workers, which is impossible without immigration reform.

Immigrants have the ingenuity to be successful and provide opportunities for growth in America. According to a study by the Partnership for a New American Economy, immigrants and their children founded more than 40 percent of the 2010 Fortune 500 companies, which employ more than 10 million people.

The U.S. renewable-energy industry needs entrepreneurs of the future to evolve and thrive. But the talented people who want to work here, start a business here, and stay here are being turned away by a strenuous and costly process.

Simple, budget-neutral immigration reforms would dramatically help U.S. businesses compete on a global stage:

A visa for entrepreneurs would lead directly to new business generation, new jobs for Americans, and new revenue for our economy.

Green cards for foreigners who graduate from U.S. universities with advanced degrees would inject our economy with the scientists, mathematicians, programmers, engineers, and other job creators who will drive the companies of tomorrow.

Increased numbers of, and easier access to, high- and low-skilled temporary visas will help our companies fill the gaps in the U.S. workforce.

It is imperative for the future of America and for all innovative industries that our country consider immigration reform in terms of enhancing the economy. Sensible reform is the only way our nation will be able to compete in the global marketplace and dispel the current state of uncertainty and distress.