What problem does it solve? Daily, educated, skilled, and experienced individuals immigrate to the United States, with hopes of achieving the "American Dream". However, the lack of English fluency often requires them to take jobs in low-paying positions, that do not utilize their skillset. Even those who speak English, often cannot use their "foreign" degrees. This coincides with the need for small/mid-sized companies' need for educated and skilled workers, and inability to pay professional salaries. What is your solution and who does it apply to? My solution is to provide funding for the evaluation/accreditation of foreign degrees, on-site contextualized - industry based - English as a Second Language (ESL), and wage reimbursement incentives for English Language learners to be hired in a capacity that utilizes their skillset and expertise. This will alleviate a low-income/poverty cycle common in the immigrant community, increase the future opportunities with generational ramifications. This would also impact the business community, especially smaller businesses in need of certain skills an aptitudes, but without the resources to pay professional salaries. What is the anticipated impact? Higher HIRE connects small-/mid-sized Employers with the skillset they need, wage reimbursement incentives, and the opportunity to grow their business while providing contextualized learning for the non-English speaker. This program would remediate the poor use of non-English speaking residents' skillsets, improve wages for the large non-English speaking community, elevate civic involvement and the general level education of first and second generation residents. Higher HIRE would increase the number of opportunities available to the educated immigrant, releasing them from the restriction to low-paying and low-skill work.
The return on investment would be manifested in a stronger citizenry that is able to: * contribute to the economic and social fabric of NJ specifically and the USA in general. * feel good about themselves and their ability to make a living and support their families.
I suggest restricting these incentives to LEGAL immigrants. I don't see how that would be against any law or ethical or moral standard. I don't meant to offend anyone. I just think individuals who do the right thing should have an advantage over those who don't.
This content is created by the open source Your Priorities citizen engagement platform designed by the non profit Citizens Foundation