Substitute for House Resolution No. 108.

A resolution to urge Congress to raise permanently the cap on new H-1B temporary work visas available to immigrant professionals and to eliminate the cap for those holding a master's degree or higher from U.S. universities.

Whereas, The United States has risen to preeminence in the world by cultivating the talents of its own residents while, at the same time, welcoming the most talented people from around the world. Many of our nation's leading companies, such as Dow Chemical and Masco, were founded by immigrants. In Michigan, one-third of high-tech businesses over the last decade were started by immigrants; and

Whereas, Our nation remains a leader in developing foreign talent. U.S. universities and colleges educate hundreds of thousands of international students each year. In Michigan, more than 25,000 international students attend Michigan's higher education institutions, ninth most in the nation. Over 37 percent of individual's receiving doctorate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics nationwide are international students; and

            Whereas, We are failing as a nation to retain foreigners educated in the United States and to welcome talented professionals from other nations. Under the H-1B temporary work visa program, highly educated scientists, engineers, computer programmers, and other technical experts may immigrate to the United States for employment. However, the federal government severely limits the number of visas available. Only 65,000 new H-1B visas are available each year to individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher, with an additional 20,000 visas available to individuals with a U.S. master's degree or higher; and

            Whereas, The federal cap on H-1B visas is not meeting the demand of U.S. businesses. The 2013 caps were reached in just over two months. These arbitrary caps are holding back economic growth in Michigan and the rest of the United States. These caps should be based on a data-driven approach that, along with the availability of qualified American workers, factors in the positive impact of immigrant professionals to jobs and entrepreneurialism in our economy. In a highly competitive global environment, the United States cannot afford to turn back the brightest and most talented people. Our nation's loss will inevitably be another nation's gain; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge Congress to raise permanently the cap on new H-1B temporary work visas available to immigrant professionals and to eliminate the cap for those holding a master's degree or higher from U.S. universities; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.