Where we stand: Immigration & visa restrictions

Immigration & travel restrictions negatively impact business

We uphold the following principles.

· All people everywhere must be treated fairly and with dignity and respect.

· Immigration policy must ensure our visa system welcomes individuals who want to contribute to society and stops those who seek to harm us.

· Architecture is a global profession. Immigration and travel restrictions can disrupt the business of many of our nation’s architectural firms that serve clients and employ staff in and from the countries targeted by the restrictions.

· Architecture firms and many other businesses must have the ability to attract and retain highly qualified and skilled talent from within and outside the U.S. to remain competitive and meet demand.

· Freedom to travel without unnecessary restrictions enhances our ability to create and pursue business wherever opportunities exist, and to better serve our clients. Strong businesses create jobs that contribute to the health of the U.S. and global economy.

· Exposure to global perspectives on the built environment is an essential part of architecture and architectural education in the U.S., and immigrants, colleagues, students, and faculty from around the world contribute significantly to this character.

· Societies everywhere benefit from the ability of architects of all nationalities to collaborate.

The profession and the broader industry benefit from a visa and immigration process that is uniform, transparent, and free from arbitrary implementation.