Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1190168
wbjournal.com | December 9, 2019 | Worcester Business Journal 15 I M M I G R A N T S F O C U S We're in business to help your business. Let's start with a suite of tools that can make your business flow more smoothly. That means more time for you to do what you do best - run your business! We're local and we're experienced. We have the tools to accelerate your success. From equipment finance 1 to real estate, from short- term credit 2 to funding for raw materials and production factors - look to People's United Bank. Let's talk. ©2019 People's United Bank, N.A. | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender There's only one way to run your business. Your way. David Eidle SVP, Business Banking Team Leader 978-624-1088 | david.eidle@peoples.com 1 Equipment financing provided through People's Capital & Leasing , a wholly-owned subsidiary of People's United Bank. All credit applications are subject to credit approval. 2 Subject to application and credit approval. The Census Bureau estimated 45.4 million foreign-born people lived in the U.S. in 2018. Their region of origin: U.S. immigration population Source: U.S. Census Bureau Asia 14.1 million 31% Europe 4.6 million 10% Latin America 23.2 million 51% Other 3.5 million 8% According to the Seven Hills 2015 report, Worcester had an ELL student- to-teacher ratio of 62:1 compared to a statewide ratio of 40:1. "at's where we need to invest," Jordan said. "We are not adequately providing them job options and educational opportunities while they're still in school." Another data point surprising Jordan during the initial study was a discrepancy between Puerto Ricans born on the island versus those born on the mainland. e report acknowledged while Puerto Ricans are not immigrants in the traditional sense, they face many of the challenges posed to foreign-born groups. For Puerto Ricans, 71% of those mainland-born and 81% of the island- born live at or below 200% of poverty. Citywide, 41% of residents live at or below 200% of poverty, the report said. "We need to make a conscious effort with English language learners from the island-born Puerto Rican cohort. We need to tell them, 'We're going to invest in you for your future,'" Jordan said. "If we don't invest in them, we will reap exactly what we sow." Jordan intends to capture fresh Focus on the best of the best immigrants F L AS H P O L L Should the U.S. relax restrictions in its H-1B visa program? Since 2017, the criteria for receiving America's H-1B visa, which lets foreigners who can prove they provide specific skills to businesses, has become more rigid, leading to more rejections of applicants who want to live and work in the United States. The visas are often used by tech companies looking for talented programmers and colleges looking for professors in specific fields. When polled online, the plurality of WBJ readers said the federal government should keep its criteria rigid to make sure the smartest and most talented immigrants are awarded the visas. data in the spring to create a longitudinal study to lead to increased opportunities for island-born Puerto Ricans and other foreign-born residents of Worcester in the future. W No, those visas should only be reserved for the best of the best. 37% No, all immigration needs to be reduced. 14% Yes, turning away strong foreign talent puts the U.S. at a global disadvantage. 29% Yes, America is stronger when we welcome all immigrants. 20%