The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has commended Congressman John Shadegg (R-AZ) for re-introducing legislation that would reform the visa system for highly-educated foreign nationals, making it easier for manufacturers to hire and retain the best professionals in the world, many of whom are graduates of American universities.
The “SKIL Bill” – Securing Knowledge Innovation and Leadership – is a companion to legislation introduced in the Senate last week by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). SKIL bill provisions include increasing the allotment of visas to its previous higher level. It also would allow graduates of U.S. universities to stay in America and contribute to the U.S. economy.
According to NAM President John Engler, the manufucturing economy is dependent on innovation and highly-educated professionals, especially those with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), which are critical to maintaining the competitive edge in U.s. manufacturing.
Engler added that it is important to keep highly-educated foreign nationals in the U.S. to work and live here, rather than allowing them to work for competitors abroad.