New Report: Improving U.S. Immigration

New York, NY – Highly skilled immigrants – CEOs, lifesaving physicians, innovative engineers, and programmers – want to move to the U.S., but current immigration policy makes it a less desirable destination. In a new Manhattan Institute report, graduate fellow Daniel Di Martino proposes solutions which would both attract global talent and ensure that the U.S. maximizes the economic benefits of current immigration levels.

Di Martino’s report begins by quantifying the factors discouraging high-skill immigrants from adding value in America, such as: extended wait times for permanent residency applications, lack of work rights for immigrant spouses and dependents, and a visa selection process based on random lotteries rather than potential for economic contribution. The report presents ways to improve this system without increasing the number of people admitted or changing the criteria for visa eligibility. These include:

• Reform the H-1B visa program: allocate H-1B visas based on applicants’ earning potential relative to their age-group and expected location; reserve certain H-1B visas for new firms; allow H-1B visa holders to work immediately after visa approval.

• Expand working rights to families: allowing spouses and children of visa holders in F-2, H-4, J-2, and O-3 status to work easily would make high-skilled work, research, and study visas more attractive to families and expand our workforce.

• Allow international students to work off-campus: International students on F-1 visas should be able to start companies and be self-employed while they attend school.

Such reforms would help the U.S. get the most out of its immigration system. They would reduce uncertainty for businesses and favor high-potential applicants, break up large companies’ monopoly on visas, give employers more flexibility, and make international study in the U.S. more attractive by unleashing the entrepreneurial capabilities of promising students.

Read the Full Report Here.