Dupage Policy Journal

U.S. Reps. Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Erik Paulsen (R-MN) introduced the bipartisan Stopping Trained in America Ph.D.s from Leaving the Economy (STAPLE) Act on Thursday.

The act exempts foreign-born individuals who have earned a U.S. doctorate in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) from the limits on the number of employment-based green cards and H-1B visas are awarded annually.

“America’s leadership in research and technology is being threatened by our current immigration system that sends foreign-born, but U.S.-educated, students back home to compete against us after earning advanced degrees," Quigley said. "This not only puts U.S. companies at a competitive disadvantage, but also jeopardizes our ability to innovate and create jobs."

Quigley said keeping foreign-born and educated individuals in the U.S. will make the U.S. stronger.

"Allowing immigrants who are high-skilled, American-educated professionals to stay in the U.S. will improve our quality of life, keep our country competitive, and draw the best and brightest minds to America. Investing in STEM-educated professionals is one of the best ways we can invest in our future, and the STAPLE Act does just that," Quigley said.

"The STAPLE Act keeps innovation and skill in the U.S. to create more jobs and a healthier economy," Paulsen said.