Startup Visa – Lord of the Visa
Startup Visa Movement
The Startup Visa Movement aims to make it easier for entrepreneurs to come to the United States, stay in the United States, and most importantly, create jobs in the United States. The movement is intended to raise awareness and change policy around the EB-5 visa.
And that’s where things get interesting…
Unfortunately the US immigration System is a sticky banana. You’ve heard the horror stories. Entrepreneurs getting “sent home.” Entrepreneurs being denied their dreams because they couldn’t get a visa. The list goes on.
Opponents of the debate suggest there isn’t a “quick fix” to the Immigration System. They say people will “game” the system.
But that is already happening.
See Fence. Jump Fence. Haul Ass. System Gamed…
Victory Update #1
Lord of the Visa – Who Are You?
Without further adieu let us break down the cast of this movement. Embrace your inner geek. Vidli presents the “Lord of the Visa.”
The Good Guys
(1) Real Startup Entrepreneurs – Hobbits
Whether you like it or not, startup entrepreneurs are the real heros. They do the heavy lifting. Their diversity and purity to purpose is what makes entrepreneurship great in America. They travel, relocate and go to great lengths to realize their dreams. Without them, we are lost.
(2) Accomplished Entrepreneurs – Elves
Accomplished entrepreneurs were there in the beginning. Their voices of credibility and experience are needed most in trying times. They inspire Men and Hobbits with their vision. Will they leave those embroiled in the movement to defend for themselves? Or will they rise up and be heard?
(3) Good VCs – Men
Good VCs have the Hobbits’ back. They’re willing to put their name, time and money on the line in the pursuit of entrepreneurism and job creation. As advocates, the Hobbits count on their investors to go to battle for them. Should their hearts stay true – they will reap great rewards. Update – VCs lining up to support the Startup Visa.
(4) Good Politicians – Wizards
Politicians hold the power stick. The must unite and give hope to Men, Elves and Hobbits. While they may have bigger issues at hand, good politicians know what made America great. They know the difference one hobbit can make – and will fight for it. Victory Update #1 – two new wizards join the battle. Senators John Kerry and Richard Lugar.
(5) Immigration Programs Abroad – Dwarfs
Seemingly irrelevant, there is still a lot we can learn from Dwarfs. Singapore’s Employment Pass, the UK’s Highly Skilled Worker program and Australia’s General Skills Migrant program give insight to what is working beyond our borders. Before action, let’s be reasonable and consider all viewpoints – even diminutive ones.
Where the Battle Is Being Fought
Entrepreneurs (hobbits) and Investors (good men) live in “entrepreneurial states.” These are places that support the Startup Visa and will realize great benefit from their success. Examples include: California, Colorado, New York, Massachusetts and Texas.
The Bad Guys
(1) Current US Immigration Laws/System – Suaron
Leader of the dark forces. Opinions aside, something isn’t working. Whatever gets done will have to go through these gates. Victory Update #1 – new legislation is proposed.
(2) Fake Entrepreneurs – Orcs and Goblins
They like to “game” the system. Their efforts to undermine the system only make the dark forces stronger and more resilient. These are the one-off coders, engineers and consultants who think they are entrepreneurs. Simply put, they aren’t.
(3) Bad VCs – Men
Watch out for these nefarious individuals. For every good one there are several evil ones lurking about. They prey on unsuspecting entrepreneurs and give into lust for power, control and leverage. Yet, there is hope. A moment of love and sincerity can redefine a career.
(4) Lobbyists and Lawyers – Nazgul
Money Pits. A Hobbit’s worst nightmare.
(5) Evil Politicians – Wizards
Servants to the established US Immigration System. Innovation scares them. Change feels like a rusty knife across their face. They will tell this movement is hopeless, unimportant or too complex to do anything about. They are powerful tricksters in disguise.
Where the Battle Is Being Fought
“Border states” hold the key. These are states that get impacted most by immigration reform and legislation. Do their priorities support the established order or will they support entrepreneurial reform even if it doesn’t impact their regime? Examples include: New Mexico, Arizona, North Dakota, Montana and Minnesota.
We missed some – help us out
We know we left out some good characters. (Gollum, Belrock, Treebeard, etc.) Let us know what you think. Who needs added? Who needs changed?
The Vidli Story – Help The Boobies
Vidli is the official video licensor and home to the Blue-footed Booby. Our mission is to License 1 Billion Videos. Our co-founder, Nathaniel Brown, is on a TN Visa from Canada. We are here to support this movement to help Nathan stay in the country – no matter what. Our commitment, passion, ideas and traction are too great to let a visa stop us.
Credit: ScreenCave, LordoftheRing.net, DesktopExtreme, LordoftheKingdom
Get Involved: Support Startup Founders
1) Tweet @2Gov
2) Donate $50
3) Buy some Swag
If you have t-shirt design idea let us know. 80% of swag proceeds go directly to the movement – 20% of proceeds go to make a dent in our huge immigration legal bills.
(4) Pop a Banner on Your Website or Blog
“I support the Startup Visa” Button (125×125 pixels):
Copy and Paste the following HTML code into your Blog/Site:
“Support the Startup Visa” Button (120×90 pixels):
Copy and Paste the following HTML code into your Blog/Site:
“Startup Visa” Button (88×31 pixels):
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Thoughts, Ideas, Feedback? Comment below or get a hold of us at startupvisa{at} gmail.com.
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Very well written
Treebeard could be some wise old bureaucrat/politician that gets lobbied and becomes a champion for the Startup Visa movement.
Indeed. The question is who is that old bureaurcrat/politician? And where can we find him/her without bleeding money into lobbying.