The H-1B visa is a temporary visa available to highly educated foreign professionals who hold at least a bachelor’s degree and have an offer to work in a specialty occupation. More than half (57%) of recent H-1B workers hold an advanced degree, and many graduate from U.S. universities. Unfortunately, our immigration system makes it difficult for these professionals to stay and make long-term contributions to U.S. innovation. A system of caps, lotteries and backlogs (H-1Bs applying for a green card) often encourages foreign professionals to pursue long-term careers abroad, even though American taxpayers have invested in their training and education. What a waste! Congress should enact a market-based cap and allow foreign students who earn a U.S. advanced degree to immediately apply for a green card.

 

Read ACIP's "Solutions for Immigration" Series paper on "H-1Bs and Innovation: Why a Market-based Cap Works" here.