The Biden administration has proposed an emergency measure for a new Russian visa program to give highly educated and skilled Russian STEM workers an opportunity for permanent residence and a new life in America. Thousands of Russian scientists and engineers have fled Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine, and the United States would like to attract Russian students, scientists and skilled workers. The U.S. is experiencing a labor shortage in technology and sciences, and businesses are looking for skilled foreign workers to fill American jobs where there are no qualified workers.
On April 28, 2022, the Biden administration wrote a letter to the House requesting special legislation for the FY 2022 emergency supplemental funding for Ukraine:
“This authority would help the United States attract and retain Russian STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] talent and undercut Russia’s innovative potential, benefiting U.S. national security.”
The proposal provides special immigration benefits to Russian STEM workers who likely won’t qualify for H-1B status:
To help the United States’ economic recovery, the U.S. wants to attract more foreign STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) talent with new and expanded programs including:
• New Program For J-1 STEM International Students
• Expansion of STEM Optional Practical Training
If you are an employer who needs a visa for a foreign worker, or a non-citizen who wants to work for an American company, Godoy Law Office with locations in Chicago, Aurora and Oak Brook, Illinois, works with employers in many fields, including STEM, health care, technology, startups, sports, business, education and finance to help identify the best way to solve your foreign worker’s needs. We also work directly with foreign nationals who want to live and work in the Chicago area.
If you have a question about immigration employment in Illinois, contact the immigration attorneys at Godoy Law Office.
