Mayor Bloomberg understands the direct relationship between immigration and entrepreneurship. He also loves contests.
So why not combine two of his better instincts?
The mayor would hold a competition for immigrant applicants seeking work visas to America. They would explain what they would do if given a visa that allowed them to come to New York. Those whom Bloomberg deemed most promising would receive a personal reference from the mayor himself.
Surely this would be more productive than the “Take the Helm” competition sponsored by both the Economic Development Corporation and its state counterpart, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. This week these two dubious entities will announce the finalists who will compete for five awards of $250,000 to start up, relocate or expand their businesses in lower Manhattan.
In sharp contrast, the contest we favor would cost this city nothing. It would help men and women of talent and initiative come here. And it would likely mean more jobs and opportunity (not to mention tax revenues) for New York.
Not long ago, more than half the hi-tech start-ups in Silicon Valley were founded by immigrants. But a recent report from the Kauffman Foundation says the percentage is dropping because our immigration system is making it harder for would-be entrepreneurs to enter the country.
In short, instead of taxing some New Yorkers to bribe others to come here, how about helping those eager to come without the subsidies? That’s one contest that would make all New Yorkers winners.