Debunking the Myth of Uneducated Immigrants

If one looks to data, rather than relying on stereotypes, the conclusion is obvious: Immigrants coming to the United States in the last 15-20 years are more highly educated and highly skilled than in the past.  Almost half of the immigrants in the U.S. between 2010 and 2015  had university degrees. 15% of immigrants hold professional or doctoral degrees, a higher percentage than for native-born Americans. Since the year 2000, the number of immigrants with a college degree has doubled. Click here to learn more about the education levels of immigrants, including links to statistical studies showing increasing education achievements of immigrants.

Timothy R. Bakken
Founder

Trump Damaging America’s Competitive Edge

This summary from CNBC is a great overview of the numerous and varied ways the Trump administration threatens to weaken our country’s long-standing competitive advantages in education, innovation, and talent. 

Timothy R. Bakken
Founder

Immigrants in Military at Risk of Deportation?

In keeping with its pattern of scapegoating immigrants, the Trump government is now considering plans to discriminate against immigrants who are, and will be, putting their lives on the line to protect America. As explained by the Washington Post in this article, over 4000 naturalized U.S. citizens currently serving in the military may face “enhanced screening”.  In addition, the Pentagon is considered canceling signed enlistment contracts of 1000 foreign born undocumented recruits with essential language and medical skills and training, thus exposing these heroic individuals to deportation.

Timothy R. Bakken
Founder

Most Americans Reject Travel Ban

Two different versions of Trump’s travel ban have been put on hold by federal courts, and it seems unlikely that it will take effect anytime in the near future. A recent poll summarized by the New York Times reveals that most Americans do not agree with the travel ban. Trump will undoubtedly continue to push for his travel ban, despite his and the ban’s unpopularity, and despite the serious concerns that the ban violates the U.S. Constitution - let’s hope the Supreme Court agrees with the American public.

Timothy R. Bakken
Founder

DACA Lives on!

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that DACA will continue.  To quote the DHS: “DACA recipients will continue to be eligible as outlined in the June 15, 2012 memorandum…No work permits will be terminated prior to their current expiration dates.”  The good news is buried in a DHS memo announcing the official rescission of DAPA (Obama’s proposed program to protect undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents).

Timothy R. Bakken
Founder

Why Refugees Should be Welcome in America

President Trump wants to cut the number of refugees welcome in the United States in less than half from 110,000 to 50,000. However, his new plan will only hurt the United States. Not only is it illegal under the Refugee Act of 1980, but it also hurts the United States economy. For example, studies show that refugees are more likely than any other sector of the general population to start a business. Not to mention the fact that other countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey are bearing the brunt of Syrian refugees which is destabilizing these nations even further. The vetting process for refugees to come to the United States is already very thorough, and we cannot give in to the fear of terrorism and turn a blind eye to the tens of thousands of people who are being turned away. Read the full New York Times article here. 

Timothy R. Bakken
Founder