My Conversation with Congressman Ro Khanna on Skilled Immigration

I recently sat down with Congressman Ro Khanna to discuss one of the most pressing yet often misunderstood issues in America: legal skilled immigration.

In recent months, the H-1B visa program has been scrutinized more closely, sparking broader debates about America’s overall immigration approach. What began as a discussion about high-skilled workers quickly expanded into questions about assimilation, economic growth, and national identity.

During our conversation, we tackled some of the most contentious and timely questions, including:

• Should the U.S. impose an immigration moratorium? Given the challenges at the border, the status of undocumented immigrants, and a broken skilled immigration system, what’s the best path forward?

• Does American assimilation conflict with hyphenated identities? How do immigrants who feel a dual loyalty—to both their heritage and the U.S.—fit into the national fabric?

• What made Silicon Valley a global talent magnet? For decades, immigration fueled American excellence in tech. Can we still maintain that competitive edge, or is the system failing the very people who helped build it?

And much more.

As debates intensify around illegal immigration, birthright citizenship, and ICE enforcement, one of the key questions remains: How will this administration reshape its approach to skilled immigration? The policies they adopt could have a profound impact on America's ability to attract top global talent—whether by allowing companies to hire high-skilled foreign workers or by enabling immigrant entrepreneurs to build businesses on U.S. soil. The stakes couldn’t be higher for the future of innovation and economic growth.

Check out our mission, past panelists, and event videos at: www.makinginamerica.org
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​Who are we?

Making It in America is a community for immigrant founders and builders who aim to establish businesses, often navigating the complexities of immigration logistics. 

We are dedicated to supporting these entrepreneurs by:

• Building Networks: Connecting them with like-minded individuals, potential employers, and sponsors.

• Fostering Partnerships: Helping them find co-founders to bring their visions to life.

• Finding Their Groove: Assisting in their acclimation and success in the U.S. business landscape.

Check out this video from our a16z NY Tech Week event!

Join us to meet ambitious leaders and professionals who have moved to America to pursue their dreams, start companies, and generate employment opportunities.

​​​👋 This event is organized by Sagnik Basu, an immigrant entrepreneur currently working in news and a builder in the production space. Sagnik was born in India and sought education in the United Kingdom. He moved to the USA by himself in 2017 with $300, because he likes bigger portion sizes.

He believes in American dynamism and wants to support others who are building in the USA. This community represents the essence of creativity, advancement, and perseverance that propels the United States onward.

He also believes in the limitless potential for creating jobs and companies, emphasizing that legal immigration should fuel entrepreneurial growth in the USA to ensure America remains THE global leader.

Build in America. For America.

​​​Needless to say, please come as you are. You don't have to be an immigrant to register for this event. We welcome EVERYONE who believes in America, the spirit of entrepreneurship, and is ready to have a good time! 🎉

​-Sag