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Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

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Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#31

Post by corin_ »

ck2 wrote: post #27

Help me understand this? Is there a shortage of startups in the USA? Can startups (that in reality have an online-only product) not occur outside the USA? These are honest questions, I'm trying not to be biased, why come here?

There doesn't have to be a shortage of startups, nor does it need to be impossible for startups to exist outside the country, for it to be in America's best interest to help bring more startups in.

People who go into America on this visa won't be a burden on American tax payers, and if they fail to succeed then their visa will expire. If, on the other hand, they succeed, whether in making a profitable five-person company, or in creating the next Facebook-sized success, then their being in America is a good thing for the country's economy.

Basically it's a no-lose possible-win situation.

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#32

Post by ericd »

recoiledsnake wrote: post #16
blizkreeg wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Droolworthy indeed! This point completely took me by surprise. For so many of us stuck in immigration limbo, this should make taking a leap well within reach. I was always of the opinion that there are thousands of talented could-be-entrepreneurs (grad students et al) in our own backyard who have no way to start a company. There had to be a way to make it easy for them, without reliance on employer visas and green ca…

Maybe they should try to get rid of immigration limbo. The quota numbers are laughable and the rule that no country should get more than 7% per year is even worse. See Employment based section at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permanent_residence_(United_Sta... Since pending immigrants can't vote, I guess no one cares.

I would imagine that the quotas are to make sure that no single secondary culture becomes dominant in the US and creates a split culture. It's harder to culturally assimilate many from one culture than a few from each of many cultures. Immigration without any limits could be very bad for the long term health and stability of the country.

I think they should tack on a points system like Canada's to help the most qualified get into the country. Letting grad students stay without hassle is, in my opinion, a no brainer. Universities are far better judges of merit than the INS.

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#34

Post by whakojacko »

stefanobernardi wrote: post #7

I just WISH we had such politicians in my country. It is just mind blowing to me that a politician actually took the time to read a TC article and modify a bill accordingly.

Hell, I'm American and its still mind-blowing to me that a politician actually took the time to read a TC article and modify a bill accordingly.

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#35

Post by corin_ »

HistoryInAction wrote: post #26
tomjen3 wrote: post #24

The only problem with this is the requirement that it has to generate jobs - there are so many ways this can cause a small business to fail that are outside the control of those who are running it. That is in addition to all the ways a business can fail without employees. All it really takes is that you overlook a little provision or somebody gets mad and sue because you didn't hire them and they turned out to be som…

It's an OR requirement within the bill. Jobs is one way to convert the visa into a green card within 2 years, but it's not the only way. EDIT: Corin_ is right, and I was working off of the old bill, which had jobs as an OR. Interesting that this change was made, probably to sell it more effectively on the Hill.

Actually, according to TC's summary (I haven't read the exact proposal yet), the OR requirements are all regarding "raised new financing OR bringing in a certain amount of revenue". Creating jobs is an AND requirement in each of the three options.

Edit: Have now bothered to read the actual press release, TC's list of the three options was almost exactly copied word for word. So yeah, job creation within two years is a must, not an option.

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#36

Post by hippich »

iamelgringo wrote: post #23
corin_ wrote: post #15

When asked six weeks ago whether the Yuri Milner / SV Angel offers would affect which startups YC accepts, pg said "No, of course not." I would imagine that, if this legislation does pass, it might change his answer to that question, as all of a sudden that extra $150k becomes the difference between foreigners being able to get a Startup Visa to be accepted into YC or not. If you read this Paul, care to share any upd…

Or, if you have decent product, team, traction, pitch and social proof, you can apply to Angel List, and pick up the investment. Come to the area on a tourist visa, hang out at local meetups like 106 miles or Hackers & Founders, and we'll try to get you guys plugged into the scene. Hopefully, you'll make enough connections that if and when you have to go back, you'll be able to have enough connections to raise an ang…

If only getting tourist visa was so easy for everyone =))

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#38

Post by tghnjtghn »

tomjen3 wrote: post #25
petercooper wrote: post #2

Foreign entrepreneurs whose business has generated at least $100,000 in sales from the U.S. Now that's more like it! If US consumers are sending lots of dollars out of the country, it makes sense to bring those entrepreneurs into the country and keep the dollars at home. Not all of us need funding so this proviso could help us out without having to go looking for arbitrary angel cash.

Wouldn't it makes sense to get those who sell outside the US even more? that could potentially get the trade deficient back to zero, which this measure won't.

Most of the monetary requirements are to stop scams - ie where millionaire's kid bills family company abroad for $100K and gets to stay in the US running his company. It's also the reason for requiring qualified investors - to stop this just being family money recycled.

Although it is a bit silly that if you invented say a malaria vaccine and had a $Bn in foreign sales you would be deported!

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#39

Post by tghnjtghn »

whakojacko wrote: post #34
stefanobernardi wrote: post #7

I just WISH we had such politicians in my country. It is just mind blowing to me that a politician actually took the time to read a TC article and modify a bill accordingly.

Hell, I'm American and its still mind-blowing to me that a politician actually took the time to read a TC article and modify a bill accordingly.

It's still mind-blowing to me that a politician could read!
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