Facebook leader joins in push for immigration reform
Mark Zuckerberg is joining tech leaders across the nation in the push for the increased availability of H1-B visas.
May 09, 2013
Facebook leader joins in push for immigration reformArticle provided by Petty & Stewart, PLLC
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Executives throughout the tech industry are encouraging legislative leaders to consider immigration reform. One of the latest proponents, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook fame, recently announced a new organization composed of various entrepreneurial leaders throughout Silicon Valley who will push for changes to the current immigration system.
The group is pushing for both immigration reform and increased science and math education within schools here in the U.S. The Washington Post recently reported on some of the improvements the group is pushing for, including:
-Implementing more effective border security and clearing the path to citizenship to attract talented workers from other countries
-Increasing the focus on science and math skills within the nation's schools along with more support for talented teachers
-Opening up availability to the knowledge used to develop technology so that it belongs to the public
The tech industry may have a lot to gain from an increase in the availability of work visas. Foreign citizens looking for work in the tech industry are often categorized as science and math specialists, qualifying for H1-B visas. These visas were capped at 65,000 for 2014. Not only was this cap met within the first week of filing, but an additional 20,000 applications were filed for those exempt from the cap due to qualification under an advanced degree exemption.
These tech industry leaders expect more qualified applicants to enter the job market if the cap for H1-B visas is increased, and they may be right. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services reportedly received over 120,000 H1-B petitions during the filing period.
Qualifying and applying for an H1-B visa
The H1-B visa can be used for various specialty workers, including those specializing in fields requiring the use of math and science skills such as scientists, engineers and computer programmers. In order to qualify, applicants must have a bachelor's or higher degree or its equivalent.
In some cases, the application process requires an employer to first submit paperwork for certification. After this step, the employer would submit additional paperwork and the prospective worker would apply for the visa. If granted, the visa allows admission to the U.S. for up to three years. Extensions are available in some situations, but H1-B visa holders are not often allowed to stay more than six years.
Compiling the information needed to accurately complete this paperwork can be difficult, and figuring out which paperwork is required can be challenging. As a result, it is wise to seek the counsel of an experienced visa lawyer to help determine which visa category works best for your situation. This professional will also be able to help increase your likelihood of putting together a successful application.