Foreign science and engineering graduates are suggested to be removed from green card limitations by a group of former national security officials. The group is urging bipartisan lawmakers to remove foreign STEM grads from the green card cap in order to retain global competitiveness.

Nearly 50 former administration officials submitted a letter, addressed to both Republican and Democratic leaders in the U.S. House and Senate. The letter identified specific support for the America Competes Act provision that proposes science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) grads staying in the U.S. are not limited due to green card caps. They suggest the provision will help retain STEM professionals to support ongoing national security concerns. In addition, the effort will stop these individuals from working for entities outside the U.S. As such, foreign competition may be limited.

The letter was sent to the Bipartisan Innovation Act Conference Committee as well. This group is working on the America Competes Act and the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act to try to reconcile the differences.  Both acts are an effort to address economic and technological challenges with China.

The group further states that due to the ongoing backlog in the U.S. immigration system, the U.S. is at risk of losing the preferred destination for top STEM talent. For some STEM talent, particularly from India, the wait can be up to a decade before a green card is issued. Over half of the individuals who earned doctorate degrees in artificial intelligence left the U.S. upon completion of their degree specifically due to immigration issues.

As the U.S. limits foreign STEM grads and foreign talent retention due to the green card cap, China is making it easier. China doubled its budget for higher education in less than a decade. Chinese universities are rising in global rankings. STEM master’s graduates have doubled and are approaching the same for STEM doctorates in the next three years.

If you have questions about your immigration status or that of your employees or any other immigration-related issue, contact us at ILBSG. We continue to actively monitor ongoing proposals to immigration policy and work with you to ensure you get the right advice.

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