The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has announced approval for the introduction of bipartisan Senate legislation that would allow graduate students born outside of the United States to apply for a green card and remain in the country after receiving a master’s degree or Ph.D. in a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) discipline from an American university. Under current law, many of these students are forced to leave the country after graduation.
“For too long, America’s outdated high-skilled immigration system has been an obstacle to U.S. innovation, job creation and economic growth,” Brian Toohey, president and CEO of the SIA, said. “[The] legislation marks a critical and long-overdue step toward fixing this broken system so that companies in the U.S. semiconductor industry and throughout the broader technology sector have access to the best and brightest minds from around the world.”
The bill also proposes to raise employer green card fees to generate more revenue for STEM education programs and expand the H-1B visa program, which gives U.S. employers permission to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. The U.S. government reportedly reached the H-1B visa limit within one week of accepting applications earlier this month, highlighting the overwhelming employer demand for skilled foreign workers.
