The following statement is attributed to Kate Tummarello, Executive Director of Engine, regarding today’s introduction of the Let Immigrants Kickstart Employment (LIKE) Act:
Statement:
“Engine is proud to support the Let Immigrants Kickstart Employment Act that would establish a startup visa program so that foreign-born entrepreneurs can launch and grow their startups in the U.S. and spur job creation. The legislation, led by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), would help the nation maintain its status as a global hub of innovation by encouraging the formation of dynamic new companies and injecting new entrepreneurial talent into the startup ecosystem.”
Background:
The LIKE Act would create a new category of startup visas, providing foreign-born entrepreneurs who meet certain requirements with the protections needed to launch and grow their companies in the U.S., including a pathway to permanent residence. The legislation would also establish a nonimmigrant visa for certain essential employees of foreign-born founders in the U.S. on a startup visa. Foreign-born workers make valuable contributions to the U.S. economy by launching companies and creating new jobs, but restrictive immigration policies too often force startup founders to look elsewhere when launching their ventures. Currently, there is no visa category specifically set aside for foreign-born entrepreneurs who want to establish companies in the U.S. Legislation such as the LIKE Act will allow the U.S. to continue attracting and retaining the talent needed to compete globally by welcoming immigrant entrepreneurs to our shores.
