The following statement is attributed to Kate Tummarello, Executive Director of Engine, regarding last week’s introduction of immigration reform legislation:
Statement:
“Last week’s introduction of comprehensive immigration reform legislation shows that the Biden administration is committed to positively reforming the country’s outdated immigration system. The White House and Congress now have the opportunity to pursue an immigration agenda that boosts immigrant entrepreneurship and provides startups and technology companies with greater access to the talented workers they need to grow and thrive.”
Background:
Congressional Democrats introduced sweeping immigration legislation backed by President Joe Biden last week that would establish an 8-year pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States. The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 would also increase the visa cap on employment-based immigration, allowing tech companies to hire the high-skilled, foreign-born workers they need to drive U.S. innovation and global competitiveness. And the legislation would also make Dreamers eligible for permanent legal residence and provide them with a pathway to citizenship. Policymakers, however, should be wary of pursuing any policy proposals within the legislation that would hamper a startup’s ability to access talent through the H-1B visa program.
