Balancing Restrictions on Immigration with Maintaining a Competitive Economy

A reconciliation bill, which is due to be approved by the House on its floor for vote, could help speed up the process. granting legal status to more employment-based immigrantsThey will be able to apply for permanent residence in the United States more easily. This legislation change and others would make a big difference for skilled immigrants, even those who already have legal immigration status. These significant changes have not been made since 1990, when 140,000 people were granted green cards each year based upon their working status. While the restriction on immigration is deeply rooted in the nation’s foundation, granting legal status to more highly-skilled immigrants,  including some of the world’s best engineers and scientists, could help alleviate job shortages and provide relief for business owners and employers, and boost the economy’s global competitiveness.  

To Recruit and Retain Skilled Immigrant Workers

According to a survey on business conditions by the National Association of Business Economics, almost half of US companies are experiencing a shortage of skilled workers.  Pandemic effects have exacerbated the shortage of workers needed to satisfy consumer demand. The situation is unlikely to improve in 2022. Businesses could benefit from a larger pool of skilled immigrants to help them recover faster. However, it can prove difficult to navigate complicated immigration laws. An experienced immigration lawyer can offer legal assistance to companies who want to attract, recruit and retain skilled workers from abroad.

Increased Visa Fees for Skilled Workers

The reconciliation bill includes these measures. increased visa fees will be applied for high-skilled immigrant workers. Current fees must be paid in order to cover costs of application and anti-fraud detection. In some cases additional $4,000 may be charged for employers who have more US employees. An additional $500 would be required to sponsor an H-1B visa application for non-citizens. Employers can take in temporary workers who are skilled or have the ability to contribute to an H-1B visa project. 

Citizenship for Essential Workers

For immigrant workers deemed essential by the Immigration and Nationality Act, Green card application fees could be waived. Without paying the $5,000 fee currently, many work-based immigrant workers who are involved in essential sectors like healthcare, transport, and agriculture will be eligible to apply for permanent residency cards.  They can apply for permanent resident status as long as they have passed background checks and are eligible under the Citizenship for Essential Workers Act. earned income from an essential occupation at any point during the COVID-19 period of emergency.

Immigration controls may still be necessary. However, the US could attract higher-skilled workers by making it more easy for them to apply to permanent residency.

About Post Author

Follow Us