Labrador Votes for SKILLS Visa Act at Judiciary Committee Markup

Press Release

Rep. Raúl Labrador (R-ID), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, voted for the SKILLS Visa Act at a Committee markup today. This legislation will create jobs, spur innovation, and bolster America's competitiveness by allowing the best and brightest foreign graduates of American universities to stay in the United States. It is one of several immigration bills the Committee has approved this month as part of a step-by-step approach to reforming our nation's immigration laws.

"To remain the world's strongest economy, we need to become a magnet for the best minds in the world," said Rep. Labrador. "And yet, right now, our immigration system actually closes doors -- instead of opening them -- to highly-skilled workers that are educated right here in America and want to stay in America, but are forced to return to their home countries to work for our competitors. The bill we approved today allows more of these talented, highly-skilled workers to stay in America and contribute to our economy -- especially in the critical STEM fields, which are the key drivers of American growth and innovation. Our bill is pro-American competitiveness and pro-American Dream, and I'm proud to support it."

H.R. 2131, the SKILLS Visa Act, increases green cards for STEM grads, increases and strengthens the H-1B visa program, and establishes a new entrepreneur visa program, while eliminating nonsensical immigration programs, such as the diversity visa lottery.

The SKILLS Visa Act is one of several bills the House Judiciary Committee has approved this month to improve America's immigration system. These include the SAFE Act, the AG Act, and the Legal Workforce Act.

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