People Are People

An opinion piece from Board member Eric Likness

People are people, so why should it be
You and I should get along so awfully?

Alas, the band Depeche Mode put out this song over 40 years ago asking a simple question: why can’t we just all get along? As we head into 2026, the zeitgeist of disagreement is stronger than ever. It just gets me thinking back to the fact that people are people.

There are struggles on every continent as we start the new year. Personally, that makes me on an even stronger mission for the year: to do just a little bit of good, even for one person anonymously each day. I just can’t understand the anonymity, or the sheer amount of resources and human toil spent for the purposes of a few.

It’s easy to feel like the world is splitting into teams that don’t even speak the same language anymore, and sometimes that “language” is just a set of assumptions. But when you zoom in from headlines to actual humans, the story changes fast. Most people are not waking up excited to argue with strangers online. They’re trying to do their job well, protect their kids, care for their parents, pay the rent, and keep their heads above water.

That’s why I’m so proud to be a Board Member of Brain Drain Unlimited Foundation. Our sole mission, to empower displaced professionals to rebuild in America, is a worthy cause.

So we’re different colours and we’re different creeds
And different people have different needs

In the last couple of weeks, you have seen a bunch of news coming out of the United States around immigration that isn’t positive. Keep in mind attention sells, and media and social media make money with eyeballs and attention. I assure you, potential immigrants, most Americans support a legal pathway for you coming here. The smart ones see that America runs on immigration. The numbers don’t lie. The facts prove it. It’s why we’ve become a powerhouse over the last centuries, and it’s what will keep us moving into the rest of this century.

One reason I care so much about this is that immigration debates often talk about people like they’re a concept instead of a neighbor. Brain Drain Unlimited is built around the opposite approach: practical, legal, step-by-step support that treats talent like the asset it is. Our programs are designed for real life, not perfect conditions. That includes helping displaced professionals understand talent-based visa options and build a plan through Talent Bridge, and helping people already in the U.S. move from temporary status toward stability through Status Bridge.

It’s obvious you hate me, though I’ve done nothing wrong
I’ve never even met you, so what could I have done?

There are talented people all over the world being denied opportunities simply due to where they happen to be. This isn’t right. Have you ever met a Russian? An Iranian? Have you ever had a discussion with someone who lived in the Gaza Strip? If you’ve never met a person, don’t judge. That’s why we challenge convention at Brain Drain with cultural exchanges, series like Meet Your New Neighbors, educational and community contributions, etc.

And here’s the part that rarely gets said out loud: rebuilding is not only paperwork. It’s momentum and belonging. That’s why we also invest in community. Civic Bridge brings immigrants and Americans together through education and outreach, so misinformation does not get the last word. Skill Bridge creates quick, real-world collaboration, so someone can build a portfolio, get a win, and feel useful again while they’re rebuilding

I can’t understand
What makes a man
Hate another man
Help me understand

I may not understand what makes people choose hate, but I do understand the antidote. It starts with understanding, and it keeps going with action. Thanks for taking a moment to let me share my thoughts. If this resonates, consider supporting Brain Drain Unlimited. We’re building legal, practical pathways for displaced professionals, and yes, we need the whole village.

Start small. Share an opportunity. Offer mentorship. Sponsor a consult. Donate toward the real-world costs that don’t make headlines, things like translation help, filing fees, exam prep, or short-term stability while someone gets back on their feet. Or just show up to learn and listen.

Because “people are people” is a nice lyric. Turning it into a life is the work. And honestly, it’s a better use of our time than yelling at strangers on the internet.

Talent is ready, let’s get it moving.