Lack of jobs for international students
Colleges and universities spanning the United States draw students from around the globe into their campus communities. From China to Chile, people from a wealth of different cultures further their educations at the thousands of post-secondary education institutions the United States has to offer.
The University of Indianapolis is no exception. According to its website, UIndy is home to the third largest percentage of international students at any college or university in Indiana.
With these students come a myriad of languages, customs and vital skills that can act to one day help the U.S. job market flourish and thrive.
However, the sad truth is that all too often international students, some of whom are talented, driven individuals who would act to enhance the U.S. economy, are sent home to use their skills in direct competition with us.
President Obama recognized this issue in his State of the Union address on Jan. 25.
“Today, there are hundreds of thousands of students excelling in our schools who are not American citizens. Some are the children of undocumented workers, who had nothing to do with the actions of their parents. They grew up as Americans and pledge allegiance to our flag, and yet they live every day with the threat of deportation,” Obama said. “Others come here from abroad to study in our colleges and universities. But as soon as they obtain advanced degrees, we send them back home to compete against us. It makes no sense. Let’s stop expelling talented, responsible young people who could be staffing our research labs or starting a new business, who could be further enriching this nation.”
With unemployment rates of over 9 percent in this country, American students are understandably worried about finding a job at all.
Moreover, added competition from an international population could act to fuel the fires of growing unemployment and U.S. immigration problems.
However, these views completely ignore the important truth that these foreign citizens could be assets to the U.S. job market, not a hindrance.
It would be irrational to suggest that anyone from abroad who wants to work in the United States should be allowed to waltz through immigration and into a corner office.
More realistically, it would be prudent to reevaluate the issuance of work visas, permanent residency and U.S. citizenship so that it is easier for deserving and talented individuals to contribute to our economic recovery and growth.
Immigration is a touchy subject in U.S. policy and debate. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Nevertheless, we cannot fail to recognize that in this age of globalization and worldwide interconnectivity, a diverse, multicultural workforce can benefit us all.
