Consumer Technology Association chief Gary Shapiro said that the Trump Administration is going “in the right direction” when it comes to immigration, during a panel discussion at the South by Southwest festival in Austin.
Why it matters: Trump immigration have not been well received by many in tech, which features large numbers of foreign-born tech employees and entrepreneurs. But Shapiro's comments show there is not unanimity.
Bottom line: “Who do we want here?” is the central question when it comes to immigration policy, said Shapiro.
- The Trump Administration is simply following approaches of countries like Australia and Canada, which favor high-skilled workers, he said, adding that the rest of the world has long been protectionist on that front, unlike the U.S.
- But Shapiro also agreed that moves like last year's travel ban were hurtful to U.S. business and unnecessary.
- Shapiro added that neither political party has prioritized the country over partisanship, when it comes to immigration.