The Bryan city council is attempting to create another economic development tool that’s available through a federal immigration agency.
A council majority has approved submitting an application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service to create a targeted employment area.
Frank Clark of the city’s economic development office says a dentist from India is interested in setting up in the proposed targeted employment area.
Over a two year period, Clark says the applicant will have to invest at least $500,000 dollars and hire at least ten full time employees who are not family members.
If successful, the applicant would receive permanent U.S. resident status.
Mayor Andrew Nelson was among the council members who voted yes.
Reuben Marin voted no, citing the program gives an advantage to immigrants with money seeking U.S. residence status.
The targeted employment area has to have an unemployment rate that’s one and a half times higher than the national average. The area sought by the city of Bryan has a jobless rate of seven percent.
The general boundaries of the proposed area is west of Texas, south of William Joel Bryan and Highway 21, east of Harvey Mitchell, and north of Beck.
Also voting to submit the application were Buppy Simank, Mike Southerland, and Prentiss Madison.
Also voting no was Greg Owens.
Click HERE to read and download information presented to the Bryan city council.
