U.S. immigration policy hurts the nation’s competitiveness by forcing thousands of foreign graduates with sought-after skills and brainpower to leave the country, as pointed out by a new USA Today editorial.

As explained by USA Today, federal law limits the number of highly skilled foreign workers whom U.S. companies can hire under the H-1B program. Every April 1, U.S. companies file petitions to hire these individuals for the following fiscal year (beginning October 1).

In recent years, the cap of 85,000 (including 20,000 set aside for those with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions) has been reached within days, sometimes the first day.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has now spoken out against this counterproductive system, telling a congressional panel, “[o]ur immigration laws discriminate pretty heavily against highly talented scientists and engineers who want to come to this country and be part of our technological establishment.” By opening doors to more people with top technical skills, he predicted, “you’d keep companies here, and you’d have more innovation here, and you’d have more growth here.”

If you or a loved one require assistance in applying for an H-1B or other nonimmigrant (temporary) visa, please contact us to schedule your initial consultation with an experienced Virginia immigration lawyer today. Our immigration attorneys represent clients in Manassas, Woodbridge, Stafford, Alexandria, Arlington, Fredericksburg, Falls Church, Fairfax and all of Northern Virginia, as well as throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia.