[kitchencabinetforum] A BORDER IS NOT A BARRIER

Fuehrer Merkozy does not understand the function of borders. A border is not
properly a barrier for the purpose of keeping foreigners out; it is properly a
boundary designating the area in which the government must protect rights.
Rights-respecting foreigners who want to cross that boundary in order to enjoy
the relative freedom and abundant opportunity in a country have a moral right to
do so. http://venitism.blogspot.com

Three Member States are still making it too difficult for highly skilled people to come and work in the EU, prompting the Commission to act. Despite having been warned in July 2011, Austria, Cyprus and Greece have not yet transposed the rules of the Blue Card Directive, which should have been implemented before 19 June 2011. This is why the European Commission today issued reasoned opinions (Article 258 TFEU) requesting Austria, Cyprus and Greece to bring their laws into line with EU legislation.

Citizens who want to associate with foreigners in rights-respecting ways,
whether through friendship, romance, recreation, or commerce, have a moral right
to do so. And citizens who do not want to associate with foreigners have a moral
right not to associate with them. But no one, including the government, has a
moral right to prevent anyone from acting on his judgment.

The EU Blue Card Directive puts in place common and efficient rules that allow highly skilled people from outside Europe to come and work in our labour markets, filling gaps that cannot be filled by EU nationals. It establishes a fast-track admission procedure for these foreigners and ensures a common set of social and economic rights, such as equal treatment with nationals as regards working conditions and pay, as well as access to goods and services.

A sensitive issue cannot be fully explained in a post, but only in a speech, in that magic eyeball to eyeball contact, baring my soul, and declaring truths that cause shock and awe. That's why I look forward to the invitation of your organization to speak at your conference. Basil Venitis, venitis@gmail.com

If Europe is to secure economic prosperity, remain competitive and maintain its welfare systems, it needs immigrant workers. The current economic and financial crises makes this need all the more pressing, while highlighting the need for common rules and a comprehensive and balanced EU migration policy.

Open immigration does not mean that anyone may enter the country at any location
or in any manner he chooses; it is not unchecked or unmonitored immigration.
Open immigration means that anyone is free to enter and reside in a country,
providing that he enters at a designated checkpoint and passes an objective
screening process, the purpose of which is to keep out criminals, terrorists,
enemies of the country, and people with certain kinds of contagious diseases.
Such a policy is not only politically right; it is morally right.

The Blue Card Directive (Directive 2009/50/EC) was adopted on 25 May 2009 and Member Sates had until 19 June 2011 to transpose its provisions into national law. All EU Member States except Denmark, the UK and Ireland are bound by the Directive.

If worldwide immigration were to be even slightly loosened, this would help the
global economy. Over time we would all become richer. The best way to raise
global wealth is a free flow of people and products, to tear down all borders. http://venitism.blogspot.com

The EU Blue Card scheme helps attract highly qualified migrants to Europe, supporting Member States' and EU companies' efforts to fill gaps in their labour markets that cannot be filled by their own nationals, other EU nationals or legally resident non-EU nationals. It provides a common and simplified procedure applicable in the EU Member States bound by the Directive and ensures that potential migrants know what they need to do, whichever Member State they are planning to go to, rather than having to face 24 different systems.

Smart words are more effective than smart bombs! Mighty words of a charismatic keynote speaker can transform your people to a new dimension of organizational climate, efficiency, self-actualization, enthusiasm, belonging, and motivation. I would like very much to speak at your conference in order to explain critical points much further. Basil Venitis, venitis@gmail.com

Once a Member State grants a Blue Card to a migrant, after two years that person can then benefit from free access to highly qualified employment positions in that Member State and can also move to another EU Member State where their skills may be needed. Coupled with preferential rules for acquiring long term resident status and for family reunification, the Blue Card scheme presents an attractive package to potential highly qualified migrants.