Immigration reform will help Michigan's economy grow stronger and to create more jobs for our state.
Governor Snyder has called for immigration reform in order to help Michigan's economy grow stronger and to create more jobs for our state.
Immigrants with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are powerful job creators. In fact, research shows that "an additional 100 foreign-born workers in STEM fields with advanced degrees from US universities is associated with an additional 262 jobs among U.S. natives."
"We need to focus on legal immigration and make sure people know Michigan is the most welcoming place, and I'm intent on moving forward with that," Governor Snyder said in his 2014 State of the State Address.
Creation of the Office for New Americans
Governor Snyder established the Office for New Americans to attract global talent to our state and promote the skills, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit of our immigrant communities.
The Michigan Office for New Americans will coordinate the state's efforts to welcome immigrants and their entrepreneurship; lead efforts to encourage foreign students getting advanced degrees to stay in Michigan, build companies here, and employ Michiganders; and ensure that needed agricultural and tourism workers come to our state.
The office will also help coordinate existing services to immigrants and facilitate partnerships with non-profits, foundations and the private sector in the areas of licensing, workforce training, education, housing, healthcare and quality of life. Learn more about the Office for New Americans >>>
Welcoming New Legal Immigrants to Michigan
Governor Snyder has called on Washington to designate an additional 50,000 employment-based visas for skilled immigrants and entrepreneurs during the next five years. The visas would seek to attract highly-skilled, entrepreneurial, legal immigrants who commit to living and working in Detroit, thereby contributing to its economic and population growth.
In March 2014, Michigan received federal approval for EB-5 Regional Center aimed at attracting foreign investors who want to live, work and create jobs here.
The Michigan EB-5 Regional Center will act as a vehicle to connect eligible foreign investors with potential development projects across the state, which in return could lead to permanent residency for them and their families.