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 – 2010.• 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