ITI: U.S. Immigration Bill Will Strengthen U.S. Growth, Innovation
WASHINGTON – Today, global tech trade association ITI welcomed the introduction of the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, which aims to make key reforms to modernize the U.S. immigration system including a permanent legislative solution to protect Dreamers and measures to update high-skilled worker visas and similar programs.
“The U.S. Citizenship Act is an important investment in immigration reforms that can successfully meet the demands of a globally competitive, digital economy, including through long-needed certainty for Dreamers and expanded visa programs for high-skilled workers and families,” said Jason Oxman, ITI President and CEO. We commend U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (D-CA-38) for their leadership on this critical issue and are committed to working with the U.S. Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration to grow the U.S. innovation economy through a competitive immigration system.”
Specifically, the U.S. Citizenship Act includes the following provisions:
- Allows “Dreamers” to directly apply for green cards;
- Eliminates per-country caps on employment-based green cards and exempt dependents and STEM PhD students from numerical green card caps;
- Ensures H-4 spousal work authorization;
- Clears backlog at USCIS; and
- Provides funding for immigration judges.