America needs more high-skilled immigrants

One afternoon, more than a decade ago, I landed in Los Angeles to pursue graduate studies in computer science. To me, America represented opportunity, innovation and the meritocratic ideal: if you work hard, you can achieve your dreams.

During my graduate school years, I was captivated not only by the academic rigor but also by the culture of open dialogue and free expression. Classrooms became forums where diverse perspectives were debated without fear. This openness deepened my appreciation for the foundation of American democracy and its emphasis on individual rights — a stark contrast to environments in many other countries.

After graduating, I received offers from several prestigious tech companies and have since built a successful career in Silicon Valley. On the surface, I have achieved the American dream. Yet, beneath this façade lies a harsh reality: the dream of citizenship — the ultimate symbol of belonging and security — remains distant and elusive, shrouded by uncertainty.

Employment-based green cards are allocated primarily based on the applicant's country of birth, rather than their skills or contributions. This outdated system has created enormous backlogs for applicants from certain nations. For example, a software engineer from India may face a wait of several decades to receive permanent residency. This system benefits neither immigrants nor Americans.

The personal cost of this limbo to immigrants like me is staggering. Friends of mine have delayed buying homes, starting families or pursuing entrepreneurial dreams because of their uncertain visa status. Their spouses, often highly educated professionals, are in many cases barred from working. Imagine dedicating your life to a country while being treated like a perpetual guest, unable to fully participate in the society you help build.

Fixing America’s broken immigration system would not only alleviate the struggles of immigrants but also advance President-elect Donald Trump’s "America First" vision that has resonated with millions. Providing skilled immigrants with green cards would unlock their potential to contribute even more. Many of us aspire to create startups, develop cutting-edge technologies and generate jobs — activities that fuel economic growth and bolster America’s competitiveness. Nearly half of all unicorn startups in the U.S. have been founded by immigrants, generating millions of jobs and driving innovation.

There’s also a critical shortage of AI expertise in the U.S. armed forces. Skilled immigrants like me are eager to contribute our expertise to enhance national security and strengthen America’s technological edge. The question is: Why not let us fully contribute to the country rather than be stuck in immigration limbo for decades?

Opponents of high-skilled immigration often argue that immigrant engineers are a low-cost replacement of American workers. This is a myth. The average entry-level software engineer at leading tech companies like Google, Facebook or Amazon earns more than $250,000 annually — hardly the profile of a low-wage worker.

Undoubtedly, some abuses exist where skilled immigration is exploited to replace American engineers with lower-cost alternatives. But these issues can be addressed without throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Ending green card backlogs would eliminate the indentured servitude of workers tied to restrictive work visas. Raising minimum salaries and immigration fees for skilled immigrants could also deter abuse while generating funds to invest in STEM education for U.S. citizens.

I have lived in Silicon Valley for more than a decade, fully assimilated into its melting-pot culture. I have paid taxes, followed the laws and contributed to the growth of this country I call home. Yet, despite my contributions, I remain on the sidelines, unable to fully participate as a permanent resident or citizen.

What more could I do to earn the right to belong? To contribute without limits?

High-skilled immigrants are not asking for special treatment; we are asking for fairness. We want to build, innovate and give back to the country that has already given us so much. Reforming the immigration system to prioritize skills and contributions, rather than birthplace, is not just about justice — it is about ensuring that America remains a beacon of opportunity, innovation and global leadership.

It’s time to fix this system — not only for immigrants like me but for the future of America itself. Let us become full participants in the country we already call home.

Ashwin Murthy is a published freelance writer and a Silicon Valley-based AI professional who has worked at leading tech companies, including Google, Microsoft and Amazon.

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