[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              INTRODUCTION OF THE STARTUP VISA ACT OF 2011

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2011

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a new version of 
the StartUp Visa Act, a bill that would encourage innovation and 
economic growth by permitting immigrant entrepreneurs greater access to 
temporary U.S. visas. The bill matches legislation introduced this week 
by Senators John Kerry, Richard Lugar, and Mark Udall in the Senate.
  What do American household names such as Google, eBay and Proctor & 
Gamble have in common? They are all former start-ups founded by 
immigrants.
  Our current visa laws have made it unnecessarily difficult for 
immigrants to launch new companies in the United States. I am 
reintroducing the StartUp Visa Act because the economic dynamism of 
foreign-born talent has always been a crucial factor in our country's 
growth, and we must take steps to enable it to continue. By allowing 
immigrant entrepreneurs greater access to American visas, we truly can 
drive American job creation and channel the power of innovation.
  This legislation would be an expansion of the bill from last 
Congress, extending the pool of eligible immigrants to include holders 
of H-1B visas and entrepreneurs living outside the United States with a 
market presence in the country.
  The entrepreneurial spirit is ingrained in our country's history and 
success. I believe that this legislation is a vital component of 
promoting our global competitiveness. We must ensure a strong 
foundation for foreign-born, highly-skilled talent to create American 
jobs and promote economic prosperity and this bill works toward that 
end.

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