In an effort to revitalize economies across the heartland regions of the United States, the U.S. Conference of Mayors recently endorsed a proposed visa program, the Heartland Visa. Developed with The Economic Innovation Group (EIG), a bipartisan public policy organization, the visa aims to attract skilled immigrants to areas affected by de-industrialization. Per EIG, the economic benefits of skilled immigrant workers primarily benefit a few coastal cities. The goal of the Heartland Visa is to draw skilled immigrants to the heartland. The program focuses on redistributing skilled workers across the U.S., offering a new immigration pathway to permanent resident status for highly skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

Heartland Visa Details

The visa aims to attract skilled immigrant workers to qualifying counties. For counties to qualify, they must show population decline or slow growth. This excludes counties with high-cost and restrictive housing markets. Visa holders must live within the qualifying area but may work anywhere. High earners who hold a Heartland Visa may be eligible for an expedited pathway to permanent residency. Visas would be granted quarterly based on regional needs. The proposed initial period is three years, renewable for a total of six years.

Under the proposed program, both the community and the immigrant choose to participate, aligning the needs of participants. Visas are granted based on job offers or earnings, adjusted for locality and age. This ensures participants receive economic benefits. Heartland visa holders may qualify to apply for permanent residence after six years in a designated area. The goal is to issue a minimum of 100,000 visas annually.

Impact and Eligibility

Regions with significant population decline or economic stagnation are the target areas of participation. This can be measured through poverty rates and median income in the area versus more prosperous counties. It’s believed that attracting skilled immigrant workers to these areas will reverse negative trends, stimulating economic development in the county. The program intends to revitalize counties in the heartland, often overlooked by foreign skilled workers. Key to the success of the program is qualifying job availability that allows the individual to live in the designated counties.

If you have questions about an employment-based visa or any other U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Our team of experienced attorneys work directly with our clients to ensure they get the right advice to maximize their odds of a successful outcome.

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