In a bold move to address economic stagnation and population decline, the U.S. Conference of Mayors recently endorsed the Heartland Visa, a bipartisan immigration proposal designed to attract skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to struggling urban areas. This endorsement echoes calls from policy analysts and elected officials nationwide who see place-based visas as a potential solution to many American communities’ economic and demographic challenges.
“Mayors understand the critical role of high-skilled immigrants in boosting the prosperity and economic resilience of our cities,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, who sponsored the resolution. “We urge Congress to enact a Heartland Visa program to spur innovation, revitalization, and job creation in cities like Cleveland and many others throughout the Heartland.”
How the Heartland Visa Works
The program operates on a dual opt-in system, allowing eligible cities facing population decline or stagnation to choose to participate, while immigrants can select their preferred destination from among those participating. To qualify, immigrants must have high-wage job offers or demonstrate a history of substantial earnings. In return for a six-year commitment to living in the chosen city, they would be granted an expedited path to permanent residency.
Economic Rationale: Tapping Into Global Talent
The Heartland Visa is underpinned by a wealth of evidence demonstrating the positive impact of skilled immigration on innovation, job creation, and economic growth. Immigrants have played a disproportionately large role in founding successful startups, securing patents, and winning prestigious awards in fields ranging from medicine to technology. By channeling this talent to areas in need, the Heartland Visa seeks to replicate this success on a local level. The U.S. Conference of Mayors highlighted the fact that immigrants founded a high number of startups, comprise a high share of U.S. inventors, and frequently contribute to advances in science and technology, thus underscoring the potential benefits of attracting such talent to struggling regions.
The benefits for participating cities are multifaceted:
- Economic Stimulus: Increased demand for goods and services can create jobs and boost local businesses.
- Real Estate Revitalization: Filling vacant homes and storefronts can stabilize housing markets and improve neighborhoods.
- Fiscal Strengthening: A growing population and tax base can improve municipal finances and fund essential services.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Newcomers often bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that can spur economic activity.
- Workforce Development: Skilled immigrants can fill critical gaps in local labor markets and enhance the community’s overall skillset.
Political and Public Support
The Heartland Visa proposal enjoys broad bipartisan support. A recent national survey revealed that three-quarters of American voters, including majorities across the political spectrum and in every presidential swing state, favor increasing high-skilled immigration. This widespread approval transcends concerns about border security and dissatisfaction with the current immigration system, highlighting the recognition of skilled immigrants’ economic and competitive advantages. Notably, this support extends to areas that might not directly benefit from the influx of high-skilled workers, such as rural communities.
John Lettieri, President and CEO of the Economic Innovation Group (EIG), emphasized the potential impact of the proposal: “America’s economic success is closely tied to the contributions of skilled immigrants. We applaud the U.S. Conference of Mayors for embracing a forward-thinking approach to boosting high-skilled immigration and ensuring its benefits are broadly felt in communities throughout the nation.”
The Path Forward
The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ endorsement adds significant momentum to the growing national conversation about place-based visas as a tool for revitalizing struggling communities. While the details of the Heartland Visa program are still under discussion, the broad support it has garnered suggests that it could be a viable pathway for attracting skilled immigrants to areas in need. As policymakers and community leaders continue to grapple with the challenges of economic and demographic decline, the Heartland Visa offers a promising solution that could help to reinvigorate American cities and ensure their long-term prosperity.
Read more about the Heartland Visa and check if your county is eligible for the program here.