H1-B Visa
Two American lawmakers have re-introduced a bill that would provide H1-B exemptions for foreign-born students enrolled in Ph.D. programs in the U.S.

WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Congressmen Erik Paulsen and Mike Quigley have re-introduced their bipartisan bill that seeks an exemption for H1-B visa holders that also possess a Ph.D. from an American university in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics.

Titled the “Stopping Trained in America Ph.Ds from Leaving the Economy,” or the STAPLE Act, the bill could largely benefit the population of Indian nationals currently living in the U.S., that fact only becomes further amplified by the statistical revelation that Indians represent the largest concentration of foreign-born Ph.D. candidates living in the country.

“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,” said Rep. Erik Paulsen, a Republican congressman from Minnesota.

“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 (a) visa to their diplomas, these professionals can invent and innovate new discoveries that grow our economy,” he added.

Rep. Quigley, a Democrat from Illinois, opined that if the U.S. is serious about fostering innovation and spurring economic activity, it must encourage the brightest minds in the world to study, work, and stay in its communities.

“We cannot advance our technology or research if we continue sending foreign-born, but US educated, students with advanced degrees away,” he said.

Noting that the country’s current H1-B visa system is subject to annual caps, both congressmen cited multiple studies have proven an increase in the amount of visas available immediately results in an increased amount of jobs for natural citizens.

According to a 2011 report from the American Enterprise Institute, “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.”