Silicon Valley North Tech Industry Welcomes Skilled Workers Affected by Trump’s Immigration Ban

Donald Trump’s recent immigration ban has many skilled workers in the tech industry looking at more welcoming countries, like Canada, to call home. Although the ban has been overruled by the U.S. appeal court, there are still many tech workers doubting whether they can return to work in the U.S. The immigration ban also poses a major threat to U.S. tech companies whose workforce relies on skilled workers from around the world.

The Trump ban has also impacted Canadian dual citizens who were denied entry to the United States. Canada’s open immigration policies and booming tech industry, however, are welcoming those affected by the ban, with tech companies looking into options for a fast-track temporary residency for these workers.

Canadian tech companies have been competing with Silicon Valley for skilled tech workers for some time, leaving the Canadian tech industry in a bind to find enough highly-skilled workers to meet growing employment demands. In fact, it’s been reported that Canada’s tech sector (dubbed “Silicon Valley North”) will have a high-tech talent deficit of 200,000 by 2020. The amount of Canadians graduating in the technology field each year is not enough to meet the demands of the ever-growing tech industry.

To fulfill the high demand for skilled workers in the tech industry, Canadian tech companies are reaching out to workers who may be affected by Trump’s travel ban. An open letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was signed by 2,000 of Canada’s top tech industry workers, urging Canada’s immigration department to immediately grant temporary visas to tech workers affected by Trump’s immigration ban.

Temporary residency permits allow individuals to live and work in Canada while awaiting decisions on permanent residency applications. With Canada’s welcoming immigration policies and tech industry, more global tech companies are also looking at Canada as a viable option for relocation. In fact, some of Canada’s immigration law specialists have received inquiries from tech start-ups and global companies interested to open offices in Canada.

Canada’s global reputation for being a diverse, welcoming country for all nationalities will attract more skilled workers from around the world, including high tech workers. Many of the individuals who were affected by Trump’s immigration ban still remain uncertain about their future ability to travel, study, or work in the U.S.  As such, they are likely to avoid future travels to the United States in order to avoid potential mistreatment and denial of entry at the border.

In a global economy, where diversity and multiculturalism is an asset, Canada has an opportunity to reinforce these values while also gaining a competitive edge economically.