US Think Tank Advises Easing of H1B Visa Restrictions and Green Cards for STEM Graduates

• Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) proposes green cards for STEM graduates
• Think tank proposes easing H1B visa restrictions
• Green card waitlist has over 300,000 Indians

Easing of H1B visa restrictions and green cards for STEM graduates in the USA could benefit the country and a proposal has been put forth by the Council on Foreign Relations to bring about this change. Let’s find out more.

Intelligence is the biggest weapon there is today. To maintain an edge over China in the sphere of technology, an independent US-based think tank has advised the country to make it easier for Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine (STEM) graduates to stay and work in the USA after completing their degrees. 

Why Is Easing of H1B Visa Restrictions Needed?

According to a recent survey, out of 400 professionals who offer hiring services for big and small companies in the USA, 63% said they were shifting focus to Canada. It is proving to be easier for them to hire immigrant workers in Canada. 

Easing of H1B Visa Restrictions – The Suggestion

A proposal has been put forth by the Council on Foreign Relations for the US administration to offer green cards to all immigrant STEM graduates. By granting these students lawful permanent residency, the country can get the best talent from across the world.

More students will want to come to the USA for their higher studies and graduates will find it easier to get jobs. The think-tank also suggested re easing of H1B visa restrictions and green cards.

In 2019, 1/5^th of all the H1B visa applications received by the USA were rejected. This marks an increase of 1% from 2016. The US immigration policy currently favors candidates holding a master’s degree from a US-based university. It also plans to keep the spouses of H1B visa holders from getting work permits.

Who Will Get Affected?

More than 300,000 Indian immigrants are currently waiting for a Green Card. This places India at the 1^st position for Green card applicants. China comes in second with 67,000 green card applications.

Indians have also been the primary beneficiaries for the H-4 EAD visa. Indians have received more than 90% of the 120,000 visas issued since 2015.

Also See

• The Rising H1B Rejection Rate -Is the American Dream Dying?
• New USCIS Policy Makes It Easier To Deny H1B Visa Applications
• Getting Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the US for Students Gets Tougher
• International Students to US Down by 40% in 2017