Chicago – July 07, 2024
In a bold move to address economic stagnation and population decline, the U.S. Conference of Mayors recently endorsed the Heartland Visa, a bipartisan immigration proposal designed to attract skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to struggling urban areas. This endorsement echoes calls from policy analysts and elected officials nationwide who see place-based visas as a potential solution to many American communities’ economic and demographic challenges.
“Mayors understand the critical role of high-skilled immigrants in boosting the prosperity and economic resilience of our cities,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, who sponsored the resolution. “We urge Congress to enact a Heartland Visa program to spur innovation, revitalization, and job creation in cities like Cleveland and many others throughout the Heartland.”
The program operates on a dual opt-in system, allowing eligible cities facing population decline or stagnation to choose to participate, while immigrants can select their preferred destination from among those participating. To qualify, immigrants must have high-wage job offers or demonstrate a history of substantial earnings. In return for a six-year commitment to living in the chosen city, they would be granted an expedited path to permanent residency.
