Is U.S. Immigration Reform Necessary?

The United States is the first preference for international students and employees who wish to pursue higher education and better opportunities. Though the US is a great place to take one’s education and career to new heights, one of the biggest issues faced is obtaining an immigration visa. International students and new employees are finding it difficult as their visas are routinely rejected for no apparent reason. This has become a source of worry for many who have a dream to pursue their studies from one of the US’s top reputed colleges and to obtain employment as well.

The United States: A Hub of Talent and Prestige
The US is known to have some of the top colleges and universities offering the best in terms of education, resources, and facilities to international students. This is the reason most students try hard to gain admission so that they can have a new direction in life. There are ample opportunities of growth with a degree from a US university; this not only includes opportunities for employment but also income potential. In addition to excellence in education, the United States offers a wealth of employment opportunities to international talent, the country provides fairness in employment standards and pay. Aside from the benefits provided international students and employees, the potential for adding diversity in talent and skill to the workforce with the increase of possible cap numbers cannot be denied. For example, H-1B visas illicit a very small number of actual employees in relation to the number of applicants. The question is, can the US afford to reject candidates when employers need and are willing to hire them to grow? With the current rejection of so many visa applications, however, for both international students and potential employees, the potential for growth and increasing wealth of the US economy has reached a crisis point. A change is needed in immigration law to allow international talent into the country, not just to reap the benefits of what the US has to offer, but to provide a rich and diverse pool of talent to a stagnant economy.

A Call for Reform
The younger generation of today has to much to offer; however, with hundreds of international visa rejections, we are doing this generation a disservice. It is necessary that changes are made to immigration laws so that budding talent is able to make its way and find new opportunities.

There is an urgent need to increase the cap for international students and employees so talented professionals can be retained within the US. In order to incorporate these changes, it is essential to reform immigration laws.