Gov. Rick Snyder calls himself "pro-immigration" in talk to Chrysler employees

Gov. Rick Snyder calls himself "pro-immigration" in talk to Chrysler employees
May 15, 2012
By Brent Snavely
Detroit Free Press

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Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said Monday that he considers talent to be the state's most valuable resource and said his goal is to keep people in the state who have valuable skills, including foreigners who study at the state's colleges.

"I am probably the most pro-immigration governor in the United States," Snyder told about 40 recently hired Chrysler employees. "I think we need to go back to what made us a great country, which is encouraging people to stay in the U.S."

America became economically strong in part because immigrants who came to America seeking a better life became entrepreneurs and sought degrees in higher education, he said.

"We have immigration laws in the U.S. set up now that say we're going to educate these really bright people to get a PhD in engineering, and our policy is to tell them they have to get out," after they graduate, Snyder said. "How dumb is that?"

Snyder's comments came in response to a question from a Chrysler employee about the promotion of diversity in Michigan. The governor spoke for about 10 minutes at Chrysler's headquarters in Auburn Hills before fielding questions about tourism, the state's unemployment outlook and the available jobs in the state.

Michigan's unemployment rate has dropped from 14.2% in August 2009 to 8.5% in March as the automotive industry has begun to recover and hire more workers.

"That's still too high," Snyder said. "But our role is not to create jobs. Our role is to create the environment where jobs can flourish."

Snyder said there are about 80,000 open jobs in Michigan for positions that range from accounting and nursing to welding. The challenge is matching skilled workers with the openings, Snyder said.

Snyder also said Chrysler's progress under majority owner Fiat is an inspiration for the state.

"In many respects, Chrysler is leading the way," Snyder said.

Contact Brent Snavely: 313-222-6512 or bsnavely@freepress.com

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