Business Immigration Is Vital For American Competitiveness and Innovation, Says Industry Expert F. Oliver Yang

In the United States political landscape, comprehensive reform of any immigration program requires an entire overhaul of the American immigration system. Historically, hot-button topics like border control, ‘anchor' babies, and job losses take center stage over business immigration matters that enjoy sweeping bipartisan support. When these reforms aren't passed, trillions of dollars are lost in untapped economic value. F. Oliver Yang, a business immigration lawyer with over a decade of experience, advocates for greater public awareness about the economic benefits of immigrant workers, foreign investors, and others who bring value to the American market. 

It is well-known that the United States was largely built by immigrant workers who took a chance at the American dream. However, in the modern era, immigration has often become stigmatized despite the ongoing benefits it can offer host countries. Applicants receive greater economic opportunities, and an improved quality of life, while host countries experience job creation, heightened investment, and innovation. Unfortunately, few people understand immigration policies enough to pinpoint whether the media is propelling fact or fiction. 

F. Oliver Yang asserts that law is a deeply nuanced field, but average people can easily enhance their understanding of business immigration. In his opinion, there are three major branches of this legal niche: Employment-based immigration, those with extraordinary achievements, and foreign investment. The first category involves hiring foreign individuals for highly specialized roles that no US worker can fill. The second category highlights people with extraordinary abilities in their designated field on a national or international scale. Lastly, certain immigration visa categories provide foreign individuals a chance to receive a visa or permanent lawful residency if they invest lawful funds in the local community.

Some people who were raised in the melting pot of New York City or Miami may be educated about work visas, the Green Card process, and familial sponsorship. Outside of these bubbles, misconceptions occur. Many Americans believe that business immigration opportunities are easy shortcuts to a traditional legal process that provides unfair advantages to applicants. Oliver understands why some Americans may feel this way, but these assumptions are false. "Average people need to know about business immigration because it directly affects American competitiveness and our economic well-being," he shares. "While it seems like immigrants get special privileges, they are shouldering a significant amount of risk for the chance to live in the United States. Without the proper legal frameworks, foreign investors and professionals will also be barred from providing the value that our country will always require."

F. Oliver Yang has become a prominent voice in the business immigration space. He has amassed a wealth of experience since immigrating to the United States from China, attending prestigious schools in both lands and contributing his knowledge to a variety of disciplines. Oliver landed in business immigration due to a large demand and his Mandarin fluency. This was particularly unexpected for him because law school only covers a tiny fraction of immigration law that isn't applicable in the real world. 

Oliver's pivot into immigration law was also unexpected because alumni from his alma mater often start their careers in large national law firms, known as ‘Big Law'. Despite initially seeking this path, Oliver is grateful for his atypical career trajectory. His experiences within business immigration have grown his career quicker in a shorter period, offered client-facing experience, and enabled him to play a more significant role in business development early on in his career. Additionally, he has the privilege of a comfortable work-life balance and attractive networking opportunities through his clientele. Oliver is currently the Partner and Co-Leader of immigration services at Reid & Wise LLC, a leading international law firm. His first-hand experience immigrating to America informs his unique approach to business immigration.

"When I entered business immigration, I wore many hats," Oliver says. "I developed my skills representing immigrants, liaising with the labor department, reviewing business plans, cross-checking job descriptions against laws, and verifying the source of funds. These experiences have helped me become a leader in business immigration and also educate people about why it matters. Business immigration is critical for stimulating local job creation and investment. These legal frameworks prevent immigrant exploitation and protect the rights of the US labor force."

While business immigration may not be the average American's focus, its role in the country's performance is palpable. As more people become aware of the importance of business immigration, industry professionals like Oliver hope that pathways for immigration remain accessible. 

"America will always need immigrants to fill specialized jobs, provide capital for various projects, and bring other value through their talent," Oliver says. "I encourage Americans to stay abreast of business immigration trends. I hope that law students pursue a career in this sector if they enjoy a cross-disciplinary field that has a pivotal impact on a client's life, but also concerns business matters."

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