Several presidents of Florida’s colleges and universities are hoping to make their case to Congress that passing immigration reform is a good investment for the nation as a whole.
Florida Institute of Technology President Anthony Catanese says studies show most students receiving masters and doctorates in the STEM fields—Science, Technology, Engineering and Math—are international students. He says Congress should think about passing an immigration overhaul because of the economic benefits that data offers.
“In our case at Florida Tech, they’re primarily students from China and India, and we’re sending them back. And, they’re going back and competing with American companies and entrepreneurs. And, they would like to stay here. I don’t see any political issue here.”
Last week, 19 of the state’s university and college presidents signed a letter asking Florida’s congressional delegation to help get an immigration overhaul passed. It was passed by the U.S. Senate in June, but the Republican-led House rejected the idea.
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