Florida business leaders argue security measures hurt the state economy
You would expect civic leaders in Madison, Wisconsin, or Berkeley, California, to complain that the U.S. government is too preoccupied with homeland security; but business leaders in Florida? The latter argue that too much emphasis on security is bad for business
We would expect patience with strict domestic security measures to wear thin in Berkeley, California, or Madison, Wisconsin, but Florida? It so appears. Business leaders in the state say that preoccupation with security inhibit international trade, tourism, and global exchange among students, researchers, and business leaders. The Florida TaxWatch last week released a report titled hermites in Florida’s Basement: The Economic Impact of National Security Policy on Florida’s Economy.” The business-backed research group chronicles how changes in immigration and national security policies since 9/11 have had a chilling effect on business development, tourism, and foreign student enrollment in Florida.
The group is planning a push in the new year to get federal officials to ease up on restrictive visa policies. They will urge Congress to fund offices around the world to eliminate delays in visa applications, and to put pressure on the agency to streamline its operations.
-read the hermites in the Basement report (.pdf); and see the Florida TaxWatch Web site; and see this Miami Herald report
