Immigration Reform Will Make America’s Economy Stronger

Padmasree Warrior, Roll Call

July 17, 2013

As a business leader from a Silicon Valley high-tech company, I was overjoyed to learn that the U.S. Senate had approved immigration reform including high-skilled worker provisions on a strong bipartisan basis. This legislation, I believe, is a significant step forward, and I hope that the House will take action soon.

But, for me, this is no academic exercise. Immigration reform is close to my heart because, like many before me, I came to this country to seek out opportunity and realize the American dream.

I came to this country at age 22 with just $100 in my pocket on a student visa to continue my studies in chemical engineering at Cornell University. Thirty years later, I feel incredibly fortunate to have established my career and family in America. I’m proud to have helped create thousands of jobs, contribute to innovations in the technology industry and helped make one of the nation’s biggest technology companies — Cisco — stronger, more competitive and more nimble.

But my story is by no means unique. There are many others like me who have come to this country because of the belief in the opportunities that this nation provides. And in return, they have made substantial contributions to their communities, technology development and to our economy.

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