Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act

While many feel that the United States government has done little to address the true problems of immigration, some believe a recent step has been taken in the right direction.

The Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act, according to a recent LA Times article, phases out “quotas on the number of legal permanent residents who can be admitted in any given year from a single country.” Previously, thousands of foreigners would be approved to enter the U.S. as legal permanent residents, but thanks to such quotas, candidates would have to wait for their number to come up in order to obtain a visa- a terribly backlogged process. For Mexican immigrants, the wait is ten years, and Indian immigrants, seventy.

The act aims to increase the ability of high-skilled immigrants, such as researchers and engineers, to come to America, a step which many believe is crucial toward improving the economy. Family-based visas will also be extended, so family members of immigrants who have already become citizens will be able to more easily enter the country legally.

While many argue that this act does not go far enough, others maintain that it’s still a step in the right direction. What do you think?