Updated Immigration Rules Lead to More Visa Approvals for STEM Workers
According to recent data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), more foreign workers in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) industry are being approved for visas and green cards. The uptick in approvals is a result of amended eligibility criteria for two visa categories available to STEM workers: O-1 visas (for those with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field) and EB-2 visas with a national interest waiver.
Migrant Transfers from Texas to New York Continue
Buses of migrants from Texas and other Southern states bound for New York City are stopping in New Jersey to evade New York’s efforts to regulate migrant arrivals. New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently signed an executive order that restricts how and when migrants can be dropped off in the city. “We cannot allow buses with people needing our help to arrive without warning at any hour of day and night,” Adams said at a news conference last week.
New Immigration-Related State Laws Take Effect January 1
Several new state laws that impact immigrant residents took effect on the first of the year. In Illinois, non-citizens will soon be able to become state police officers, as long as they are legally authorized to work in the U.S. Advocates say the law intends to fix a shortage of police officers in Illinois that the state has been struggling with for several years.
In California, a new law will extend the state’s health care insurance program for undocumented immigrants ages 26 to 49. More than 700,000 people will now be eligible for Medi-Cali in 2024, which was previously only open to children and undocumented individuals over 50.
Labor Shortages Prompt Calls for Expanded Work Permits
A recent influx of migrants and asylum seekers means thousands of prospective workers who could fill much-needed positions in different industries across the U.S.
Employers, lawmakers, and immigration advocates are calling for expanded legal employment options for these new arrivals, which would require congressional action on immigration reform and fixes to the current work permit system.