Bipartisan legislation reintroduced by U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN) last week would boost American innovation by allowing more foreign-born individuals who earn doctorate degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to remain in the country.
The Stopping Trained in America Ph.D.s from Leaving the Economy (STAPLE) Act would exempt foreign-born doctorate degree holders in STEM fields from limits on the number of employment-based green cards and H-1B visas, or high-skilled visas, that can be issued.
Since the H-1B visa application period opened on April 1, approximately 233,000 applications for high-skilled visas have been submitted — but just 65,000 H-1B visas will be issued in 2017.
“It is no surprise that the brightest minds from around the world come to the United States to pursue their advanced degrees, and we should be doing all we can to ensure students we educate and train here use what they’ve learned to contribute to the American economy,” Paulsen said. “With thousands of high-skilled jobs going unfilled, the STAPLE Act makes sure American companies are getting the talent they need. By stapling a green card or visa to their diplomas, these professionals can invent and innovate new discoveries that grow our economy.”
Research shows that high-skilled visas correspond with job creation for native workers. An American Enterprise Institute study found that “an additional 100 foreign-born workers in STEM fields with advanced degrees from U.S. universities is associated with an additional 262 jobs among U.S. natives.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL), who introduced the STAPLE Act with Paulsen, said encouraging the “best and brightest” minds to stay and work in the United States would foster innovation, drive economic activity and help the nation compete in the global marketplace.
“We cannot advance our technology or research if we continue sending foreign-born, but U.S. educated, students with advanced degrees away,” Quigley said. “I am proud to join Rep. Paulsen in re-introducing the STAPLE Act, which invests in our future by supporting STEM educated professionals that want to contribute to our economy and society.”