Transcripts

Commentary: Immigration Reform Improvements

SUSIE GHARIB: In tonight`s commentary, a few thoughts on the immigration reform debate. Here`s Todd Buchholz, author of "Bringing the Jobs Home."

TODD BUCHHOLZ, FORMER WHITE HOUSE ECONOMIC ADVISOR: To look at the immigration debate, let`s take a step backwards. It`s 150 years ago. You`re looking to come to America. Now, take a look at your hands. Do you see calluses and scars or do you see soft skin, softened by lotions? If you had smooth skin, they would have thrown you off of the boat. America needed tough workers with tough hands and muscle to man the sooty factories and labor in the fields.

Now, our economy has become literally lighter. What makes a successful country in this century? Forget Dow points and NASDAQ points. We are in a worldwide race for IQ points. Whichever country harnesses intelligence wins the race. We`re not looking to fill factories or drag plows alongside mules. We are looking to produce scientists, teachers and engineers. During the 1990s, we lost about one in five farm jobs, but created 30 percent more jobs for engineers. Our economic future doesn`t depend on who pushes the lawnmower.

Our immigration system is broken. The overwhelming number of legal immigrants gain admittance simply because they have relatives here. Unlike Canada, we give virtually no credit to those who offer a skill. Imagine Albert Einstein coming to the border today. "I know a little about science," he says, "I think I could help America." What would the INS say? Oh, we don`t care about that Doctor, but do you have an photos of nephews to show us? The U.S. economy needs more immigrants, but we need them to come safely, legally, and with their wits about them. In fact, we need their wits more than their hands. I`m Todd Buchholz.