Key Vote Alert! - H.R. 6429, the "STEM Jobs Act of 2012"

September 19, 2012

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region, strongly supports H.R. 6429, the “STEM Jobs Act of 2012,” which would spur innovation and create high paying manufacturing and research jobs in the U.S. by establishing a new green card program for advanced degree graduates in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

America has been greatly enriched by the contributions of gifted engineers, researchers, and scientists from around the world who have chosen to come here to study and innovate. However, the U.S. immigration system has failed to adapt in ways that would help ensure the U.S. maintains this advantage. Each year, graduate students who complete advanced STEM degrees from America’s top universities are offered jobs here by U.S. employers, yet tens of thousands of them ultimately take their ideas and skills to other countries because of inadequacies in the immigration system. H.R. 6429 would bolster American competitiveness by allocating up to 55,000 green cards a year so these skilled innovators will create new jobs and products here in America rather than elsewhere.

It is important to note that these green cards may only be approved following a labor market certification process. This process requires employers to demonstrate that qualified American workers are not available for the position in question, consistent with the terms, conditions and wages offered similarly situated professionals in the occupation.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports H.R. 6429, the “STEM Jobs Act of 2012.” The Chamber urges you to vote in favor of the “STEM Jobs Act of 2012” and may consider including votes on, or in relation to, H.R. 6429 in our annual How They Voted scorecard.

Sincerely,

R. Bruce Josten

Read the Letter: 

Key Vote Alert! - H.R. 6429, the "STEM Jobs Act of 2012"