Obama supports increase in green cards and removal of labor test for foreign grads

[flexnor]

from 2/2/2012 release

www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/02/02/conversation-we-people-about-immigration-policy

"That’s why the President supports legislative measures that would attract and retain immigrants who create jobs and boost competitiveness here in the U.S. – including "stapling" green cards to the diplomas of certain foreign-born graduates in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields – "

('stapling' implies replacing the labor market test with a stapler)

Among these was a question regarding the possibility of extending employment authorization to certain spouses of H-1B visa holders who are awaiting the adjudication of green card applications. We were especially pleased to inform the callers that the Department of Homeland Security had announced just the day before—as part of the One Year Anniversary of the White House Startup Initiative — that they will be addressing this very issue through regulatory reforms.

(the spouse rule would be a massive number of workers into the labor market, hundreds of thousands)

[Angry Dragon]

1. NOT GOOD

[backscatter712]

2. I would argue that this is part of a good thing.

Though the odds of having the whole of this implemented are small.

The problem with our trade & immigration policy is that we allow free flow of goods and block the flow of people.

What I would do is allow free flow of people and restrict the free flow of goods.

[treestar]

3. Not on his own, he can't

Atrocious headline.

[flexnor]

5. comment noted, headline changed nt

[flexnor]

4. this will affect admissions for state universities

because the degree they are 'selling' is worth more to a foreign national, than it is to a US citizen, because a green card has no value to a US citizen. (The degree is basically know a package deal of degree and immigration lawyer to foreign grads)

look to see the university your taxes paid for bump your kid in favor of easier and high revenue

dont think they wont do it

[exboyfil]

8. Fortunately our state universities have a relatively low bar

for getting into the engineering programs at the two state universities. It is a bright line based upon ACT, Grade Point, Class Rank, and number of core courses taken. About a 25 math/composite GPA - most of the other factors should take care of themselves. (about a 3.0 GPA should do it). To compare it probably takes a 30 ACT to get into Georgia Tech and probably a 3.5 GPA.


I think Green Cards for undergraduate students is insane. A case could be made for doctoral students but still why shouldn't we foster our own talent in this country.

I agree with your point, and I think graduate school financial aid is already priced to take the easier path to working in the U.S. for foreign workers.

My question why is Obama doing this? Is he going to look at my daugher's resume once she finishes her B.S. in Engineering like the lady's husband in Texas?

[Enrique]

6. "...who create jobs"

sometimes when people say "create jobs" they mean "increase profits". In this case, by lowering labor costs.

[ProSense]

7. The administration

issued new rules for H-2B: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002296514

I haven't seen any for the H-1B yet.

[exboyfil]

9. I have a suggestion

A requirement that a certain percentage of grad students who work on federal grants be U.S. citizens. This would price up the value of these grad students for the institutions and encourage more U.S. citizens to pursue advance degrees in STEM fields.

[Brickbat]

10. Between this and the PERM video you posted, I just wanted to thank you for raising my awareness

about this issue. I have a much better handle on it. Keep up the good work and K&R.

[flexnor]

11. you're welcome, and i'm sorry it's true, i wish it werent

but i'm trying to wake people up that what we are experiencing is intentional, and our leaders will not change results until they change intentions