R.I. Gov. Chafee Has it Right: A Welcoming Immigration Policy Contributes Much to U.S. Competitiveness and Prosperity

NAFSA’s senior adviser for public policy, Vic Johnson, comments on the NAFSA blog today about how Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee overturned an executive order that would have caused troopers to get involved with immigration enforcement.  Gov. Chafee said, “My view is that Rhode Island can grow economically by being a tolerant place to do business. The immigrant-rich areas, I want to see them prosper.” In his post, Vic commends the Governor: “Anti-immigration sentiment is rampant in this country right now, abetted by politicians who find it convenient to cater to it. But the reality is that immigration is essential to future U.S. competitiveness and prosperity. Making immigration work for us requires a great deal more than more troops and higher walls. Genuine political leaders recognize this and have the courage to stand up and say it. Gov. Chafee is among them.”

KJ