By Devona Walker
Staff Writer
As the national immigration debate wages on, many people fear increasingly restrictive policies will cripple U.S. companies and universities competing in the global marketplace, encouraging talent and capital to go abroad.


Critics who are mainly concerned with undocumented and low-skilled workers moving into the United States say increased worksite enforcement and unprecedented statewide immigration statutes are deterring illegal immigrants from crossing U.S. borders.

Others complain that the country's growing emphasis on closing the borders is keeping out needed university professors and skilled professionals.

"There are very significant shortages of available talent around the country. If you can't find the talent, you either do one of a few things: You bring the talent in from overseas; you take the work overseas or you don't get the work done,â€