Amy Chua, the daughter of Chinese immigrants to the United States, wrote an article several years ago, which I found the other day. According to the article, Chua, a professor at Yale Law School, believes in our immigration program—but with changes. She suggested that our immigrant visas award ability and job skills needed by the U.S., more than family preference, as it does today.

As a U.S. visa officer overseas, I interviewed applicants for immigrant visas to the United States, leading to permanent residence here. Those visas were typically awarded to a wage earner, a spouse, and minor children. Others went to brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, unrelated to job skills.

Chua believes the practice of sibling immigration tends to keep immigrants in enclaves instead of assimilating more quickly into the country’s culture.

I favor, as Chua does, the elimination of sibling visas (after current ones in the pipeline pass through) and their replacement with an increase in immigrant visas related to job skills that are in short supply. Spouses and minor children would continue to be included.

In addition, entries to the U.S. should also include refugees. “Huddled masses yearning to breathe free” are part of our national fabric.

Fairness also should guide our decisions about undocumented residents. Many of them have been here for years and are contributing valuable skills. Some were brought here as children, have assimilated into American culture, and are studying toward college degrees.

[Amy Chua’s article was printed in the Seattle Times on February 3, 2008.]