Fixing the H-1B Visa: A Pathway to Prosperity

Introduction to the Issue US reaching record highs of foreign students year after year. Half of the STEM graduates in the US are foreign students. Only a fraction of these STEM students are granted a temporary skilled-worker visa (H-1B).

Why is this Important? Foreign STEM graduates contributed 10 to 20 percent of GDP growth between 1990 – Boosted the size of the American economy by $615 billion in 2010 alone. Other research from the National Foundation for American Policy shows that the hiring of each H-1B worker actually creates 7.5 jobs in small to mid-sized technology companies.

Obstacles to Growth Protectionist Policies Shortage of H-1B visas Gridlocked political environment

Sensible Reform for Success Two Steps: Increase the cap of H-1B visas from 65,000 to 80,000. Simplify the regulations surrounding the H-1B application.

Conclusion