As H-1B visas become expensive amid a call by a section of Americans against hiring employees from abroad, Democrat lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi said he has reintroduced the High-Skilled Immigration Reform for Employment (HIRE) Act that aims at doubling the number of H-1B available to 1,30,000.
The legislation, which intends to strengthen the US’ long-term economic and technological competitiveness, has a dual track approach to deal with workforce shortages — drawing more skilled workers from the global talent pool and increasing federal investments in American STEM education to grow the domestic workforce.
What is the HIRE Act
The Act — supported by ITServe Alliance, the nation’s largest association of IT services organizations — would double the number of the highly debated H-1B visas from 65,000 to 130,000 to ensure employers, including those in critical and emerging technology sectors, have access to adequate human capital. The Act will also remove the current cap, which is set at 20,000, on additional slots for H-1B visas available to those who have advanced US degrees.
The Act will direct funding to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs in elementary and secondary schools in the US as well.
“To build the jobs and industries of tomorrow, America must stay at the forefront of innovation by strengthening our own workforce while continuing to welcome top talent from around the globe,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said.
“By growing our domestic talent pipeline and ensuring employers can recruit the skilled workers they need, we can create good-paying jobs and secure America’s leadership in the technologies of the future,” he added.
