Shortage of H-1B Visas Hampers U.S. Job Creation, Innovation

by Semiconductor Industry Association

A broad coalition of tech industry leaders – including SIA – today launched a video explaining the negative effects of dysfunctional immigration laws on the U.S. economy. The video is available at: http://youtu.be/NS4U_lFhBNA.

The release of the video coincides with today’s start of the U.S. government’s H-1B visa application process, which could last for only a matter of hours because demand for H-1B visas far outpaces the current cap of 65,000 (plus an additional 20,000 for those with advanced degrees).

H-1B visas, which allow highly educated foreign workers to fill open jobs in the U.S., are critical to America’s economic strength and technology leadership. Every highly educated immigrant who stays and works in the U.S. creates nearly three additional American jobs, according to a recent study, and many of America’s most innovative companies – Google, Yahoo!, eBay, and many others – were founded by immigrants.

By limiting the number of H-1B visas that are available, policymakers are costing America jobs and hampering U.S. innovation. The solution is clear: Congress and the Administration should work together to enact immigration reform now.