Securing America's Leadership in the Global Race for Talent
Key Facts and Stats:
Modernizing immigration policies could help retain up to 100k more students each year and cut job shortages
- The United States has led the world in higher education for more than a century and today, more than one million international students are enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities.
- 100,000 international student graduates each year would stay and work permanently in the U.S. if a pathway existed.
- Up to $233 billion would be added to the U.S. economy by international students this decade and reduce STEM-related talent shortages by about a quarter.
Critical industries like semiconductors and A.I. need access to top U.S.-educated talent
- To protect our national security, ensure leadership in the industries of the future, and bring manufacturing back to America, the U.S. will need to grow its STEM workforce, including significantly expanding legal immigration pathways.
- 5,000 international students were expected to graduate with advanced degrees in semiconductor-related computer science and engineering fields in 2024. Nearly 4,000 would like to remain in the U.S. for some time after graduation.
- Updating Schedule A could help expedite the immigration process for highly skilled workers in critical occupations, provide certainty and predictability for top global talent considering working in the U.S., and save millions of dollars annually for U.S. taxpayers along the way.
Green card backlogs harm families and hinder our ability to compete for talent
- More than 1.2 million immigrants and their families in the U.S. are stuck in green card backlogs, facing decades-long waits to adjust status.
- Backlogs make it very difficult for workers to change jobs or employers and for spouses to work and contribute, and put children at risk of aging out of status.
- Growing backlogs and lack of pathways make the U.S. less attractive to global talent and are driving highly skilled workers already in the U.S. to leave for better opportunities.
Policy & Research
The H-1B Visa is Critical to American Competitiveness
Innovation Ban: What to know about the proposed $100,000 fee for H-1B visas
September 24, 2025
Advanced International STEM Students Increasingly Anticipate Shorter-Term Work Stays After Graduation. The U.S. Can Do More To Retain Them.
U.S. employers and agency policymakers can better leverage underused temporary immigration avenues to attract and retain international student graduates and win the...
September 9, 2024
Filling Semiconductor Jobs Requires International Grads
5,000 international students will graduate this year with semiconductor-related STEM degrees, but limited immigration options may force them to leave.
October 11, 2023
The U.S. Needs More Immigrants with STEM Skills
Welcoming more immigrants with STEM skills will help protect American competitiveness in emerging industries and strengthen national security.
November 8, 2024
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training allows international students to gain valuable experience and begin contributing to the U.S. immediately.
October 30, 2024
The H-1B Visa: Policy Brief
The H-1B visa addresses critical workforce needs and strengthens the economy—but shouldn’t be the only option for highly educated & skilled immigrants.
January 27, 2025
Per-Country Cap Reform - Priority Bill Spotlight
Per-country caps on green cards create decades-long backlogs, making the immigration system less efficient and less fair.
December 5, 2023
High Skilled Immigration: 5 Things to Know
Highly skilled immigrants create jobs and raise wages for U.S. workers, but reforms are needed to protect America's competitive advantage.
February 5, 2025
Schedule A Updates Are Needed to Expedite Hiring in Critical Industries
The Department of Labor should resume regular updates to Schedule A so that qualified immigrants can more quickly get to work in...
November 7, 2024
Modernizing Schedule A for Critical and Emerging Industries
The Department of Labor has requested input from the public about modernizing Schedule A. @FWDus shares perspectives on how to best update...
January 30, 2024
Green card recapture and reform would reduce immigration backlogs
By recapturing unused green cards, Congress could allow hundreds of thousands of immigrants waiting in backlogs to secure permanent status.
January 30, 2025
H-4 EAD is smart policy that should be preserved
H-4 EAD is smart immigration policy, and FWD.us is proud to defend this rule and stand with immigrant families.
November 7, 2024
