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Foster Joins Business, Tech Leaders In Highlighting Need For Comprehensive Immigration Reform

July 26, 2013

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Congressman Foster Discusses Immigration Refomrm

Congressman Foster discusses immigration reform with business and tech leaders

Chicago, IL—Yesterday, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) met with business leaders and technology experts for a roundtable discussion on the benefits of comprehensive immigration reform. At the roundtable, hosted by the Illinois Technology Association and Fwd.US, the conversation focused on the economic benefits of reform and the support potential legislation might offer for innovation.

“As I talk to business and community leaders across the 11th District and Illinois, I’m hearing a similar theme—reform is just as good for our economy as it is for our hardworking friends and neighbors,” said Foster. “While not all of my colleagues have gotten the message yet, I’m hoping that when they return home in August and sit down with their constituents, they’ll come to understand that the time is now for comprehensive immigration reform. I’m grateful to have had so many meaningful conversations about this issue, and will continue to seek out new thoughts and opinions.”

Foster highlighted the economic benefits immigrants bring to the country, noting that in 2011, immigrants started 28% of all new U.S. Businesses. Collectively, these immigrant run-businesses employ more than 4.7 million people. Additionally, 200 of our Fortune 500 companies were formed by immigrants or the children of immigrants and 56% of the top 25 tech companies were started by first or second generation Americans.