LANSING – Gov. Rick Snyder announced in his fourth State of the State address a bold vision for attracting global talent to bring more and better jobs to Michigan, and a growing group of more than 30 educational leaders, elected officials, business leaders, nonprofit groups and other community leaders offered their support for the governor’s plan. 

“Making Michigan even more welcoming to immigrants with advanced academic degrees or entrepreneurial aspirations will not only provide them with great opportunities to grow,” Snyder said, “It will also benefit Michigan by bringing their countless skills, talents and contributions to help create more and better jobs in our state.” Snyder said he will issue an executive order to create the Michigan Office for New Americans, which will drive strategies for attracting immigrants to Michigan. Snyder also urged Congress to approve Michigan’s application to become only the second state with a state-sponsored EB-5 visa regional center. The EB-5 is a tool for attracting investment and creating jobs for U.S. workers.

“Governor Snyder not only proved himself as a leading national voice among Republicans for sensible, sound, and economically-focused immigration policy, but he has ranked himself high among all of the nation’s governors and elected officials at understanding how powerful immigration can be for our economy and how much all Michiganders will benefit from being the nation’s most welcoming state,” said Steve Tobocman, Director of Global Detroit. 

Some groups and leaders in support of the governor’s immigration plan include American Arab Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Fay Beydoun and Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services Executive Director Hassan Jaber. 

“The Michigan Office for New Americans will help ensure that all of Michigan benefits from the strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit that motivates so many immigrant families and makes them such a vital part of our state,” said Dr. Jamie Hsu, Chair, Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission.