<h1>Skilled Immigrants Drive Economic Growth: Merit-Based System Essential for National Prosperity and Innovation</h1> A prominent banking executive criticized America's immigration policies, advocating for a merit-based approach. He emphasized the nation's global significance through its economic, military, and technological strengths. The executive, whose grandparents were immigrants, highlighted the importance of welcoming skilled individuals and preserving core American values of freedom and opportunity, particularly in contrast to current restrictive immigration practices.