Bill Gates' Visa Petition

For years there has been an argument about the border system. Many people feel that the U.S.A. should close its borders to all immigrants, whereas others believe that we should allow everybody to enter. It seems that the Chairman of Microsoft Corporation, Bill Gates agrees with the latter group. In a recent petition to congress, Gates pleads that the high-tech industry in the U.S.A. needs all the brilliant, and educated minds. He felt that many of the bright scientists of the world are being sent away from the U.S.A, because of the strict visa policy in our country. Gates feels that there should be an "infinite" number of H-1B visas, which allow well-educated foreigners to work in the United States for several years. Recently, people have spoken out against Gates for his opinion. People with a knowledge of economics feel that an increase in the wages for the domestic workers would help bring supply and demand of high-tech jobs back into equilibrium. This argument seems to be a double edged sword. If the U.S. companies were to employ more immigrants, then the domestic market will suffer the loss through increased unemployment. However, if the U.S. companies increase the pay for the workers, then the U.S. consumers would probably pay a higher price for the domestic goods. It is an issue of economics, and I think that Bill Gates is right. We need to bring all the brilliant minds in to keep the U.S.A. competitive, it is the best business decision for America. It may lead to higher rates of unemployment, but it might also force people back to school and then once again into the high-tech industry. I think that the U.S.A. needs to stay ahead in this industry.