What We’re Reading: Washington Post editorial board favors STEM visas
The Washington Post editorial board on Wednesday advocated for increased visas for foreign-born, American-educated graduates with advanced degrees in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. While these individuals are being actively recruited by other countries, the U.S. reaps none of the rewards that these people can bring to a national economy through innovation and job creation.
Congressional leaders have gone back and forth on the issue for months, seeking compromise. So far, no agreement is in the cards. Republicans, under the influence of anti-immigrant restrictionists, are loath to increase the number of immigrants. Some Democrats are reluctant to ditch the green-card lottery, also known as the diversity visa program, which benefits mainly African and Eastern European immigrants. Others worry that a separate deal on STEM graduates now may make it more difficult to nail down a comprehensive immigration reform package later.
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What’s clear is that, without a deal, this country is the loser. Globally, demand for STEM graduates is soaring and competition is stiff. Canada, Britain and Australia have all structured their immigration rules to favor their job markets. China is offering cash and other incentives to lure Chinese scientists home after they have trained overseas. Meanwhile, the U.S. system remains tilted in favor of foreign relatives of citizens and permanent residents.
Senator Coons continues to advocate for needed reform to our immigration laws, including visas for those who earn advanced degrees in the STEM fields. Earlier this week, Senator Coons and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) introduced legislation that creates a pilot program where 55,000 new green cards per year will be available for foreign-born students who graduate from U.S. universities with advanced degrees in STEM fields. It also reduces the red tape to obtain a student visa and allows high-tech workers currently in the United States on temporary visas to renew their visas without first returning to their country of origin.
Click here to read the entire editorial on the Washington Posts’ website.