2013-2014: Cosponsoring bill to increase STEM worker visas (Schiff)
Rep. Schiff is a cosponsor of H.R. 1760, the INVEST in America Act. The INVEST in America Act provides 9,940 new conditional green cards per year for certain qualifying aliens in a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), who already have an F-1 (student) or H-1B (high skilled worker) visa. Qualifying aliens must have or be working toward a STEM graduate degree, establish and engage in a new commercial enterprise relevant to that STEM degree, and submit a business plan to create at least 5 new full-time jobs for U.S. workers. The conditional LPR status is renewable in 2 1/2 years if the alien created at least 2 full-time jobs and invested at least $200,000 in the new commercial enterprise. After 5 years, the condition can be removed after the creation of at least 5 full-time jobs and an investment of more than $500,000. Those in violation of any condition of the LPR status will have their status terminated. Finally, two GAO studies are requested to study the effects of the new program. The bill’s main sponsor is Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA).