Colin Powell: 'Open borders to skilled immigrants'

Former US secretary of state Colin Powell has warned members of the IT industry the country's visa policy could mean it misses out on some of the brightest overseas talent, adding they may choose countries such as the UK instead.

Powell said although all nations need to be aware of the risks at their borders, countries shouldn't make measures so restrictive they miss out on highly skilled immigrants or students who can deliver real value.

Powell said: "The visa system in America makes it too hard for foreign students," adding they may chose instead to study in England and boost the economy and skills force over here instead.

Delivering the keynote address at the Salesforce.com DreamForce conference in San Francisco, Powell said attracting students and graduates from Asia has also become problematic - a particular concern for high-tech and scientific industries, given the strong focus on those disciplines in many Asian schools and universities.

Touching on knee-jerk reactions in some quarters of US society, he said: "If they are Muslim or they have the wrong name then they're getting stereotyped at the airport."

He also said companies and educators should foster stronger links beyond their borders and share knowledge, saying "we've got to have more exchange programmes".

Powell's words follow comments made earlier this year by Dr Jim Goodnight, CEO of SAS, who said the US is shooting itself in the foot by restricting the number of visas it offers.

Speaking to silicon.com in June, Goodnight said: "You want to talk about some of the stupid things Bush has done? Why restrict the best and the brightest people from coming into your country?"