In 2019, about 1 in 4 new entrepreneurs was an immigrant — nearly double the share in 1996, according to a new research brief from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. As data shows relatively stagnant growth among other populations of entrepreneurs, the upward trend among immigrants stands out.

That’s precisely why so many in the Start Us Up coalition continue to be outspoken about the suspension of work visas for high-skilled foreign workers. As we stress in America’s New Business Plan, unleashing the economic potential of immigrant entrepreneurs could bolster the nation’s economy. Yet at a time of immense need, policymakers have done the opposite.

In this week’s coalition roundup, we again stress the value of immigrant entrepreneurs through the lens of the Start Us Up coalition.

The International Experience of Startup Visas for Immigrant Entrepreneurs
A newly released policy brief from the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) looks at startup visas offered by other countries and makes the case for increased investment in immigrant entrepreneurs, especially as economic problems spell a need for innovative approaches to job creation.

Instacart Immigrant Founder Helps Americans During The Pandemic
NFAP Executive Director Stuart Anderson also penned a column in Forbes about Instacart CEO Apoorva Mehta, an immigrant founder whose platform has proved to be a lifeline for many through the ongoing pandemic. At a time when so many businesses are cutting jobs, Mehta’s Instacart hired hundreds of thousands of new workers across the nation.

Engine, Startups Push White House to Reconsider Suspension of Work Visas
Engine recently released a letter signed by 118 startups, entrepreneurial organizations, and other companies, advocating against the recent suspension of work visas. The letter stresses the importance of immigrant entrepreneurs to American society and the challenges the country will face in recovery without a continued influx of entrepreneurial talent.

Dramatically curbing legal immigration threatens the health of the U.S. economy
A blog post from the Economic Innovation Group goes in depth on the potential dangers of curbing immigration, citing declining immigration rates and data that emphasizes the potential immigrant-owned businesses have to power the COVID-19 recovery.