Business and the Workforce
Immigrants not only bring diverse skills and perspectives to the U.S. workforce, they often fill employment gaps in crucial fields. We advocate for expanded work visas and related programs so our labor force can continue to benefit from immigrant workers and remain competitive in the global economy
Lawsuits Challenge Change to H-1B Lottery Selection That Would Hurt Small Businesses, Start-ups
Businesses and industry organizations are among those pushing back against a rule that would change eligibility for filing an H-1B petition. The new rule would require the H-1B lottery selection to be conducted by salary level. A range of industries—from health care to higher education—that employ U.S. and H-1B workers… Read More
New Report Shows Immigrants in Central Ohio Paid More than $2 Billion in Taxes in 2019
Immigrants in the Columbus region accounted for 26.4 percent of the population growth between 2014 and 2019. COLUMBUS, OH – Immigrants paid more than $2.1 Billion in taxes in central Ohio in 2019, according to new research from New American Economy (NAE) through the Gateways for Growth program,… Read More
Another Trump Barrier Broken as DHS Withdraws Two Proposed Rules for Limiting Access to Legal Immigration
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently withdrew two rules proposed by the Trump administration. On the surface, it seems they have nothing in common: a proposed expansion in collecting biometrics and the proposed end to a program for foreign entrepreneurs to develop new ventures in the United States. But… Read More
Tracking the Biden Agenda on Legal Immigration in the First 100 Days
This report analyzes the most significant changes to the legal immigration system made by the Biden administration during its first 100 days in office, and makes recommendations to foster a fair and efficient system. Read More
Ban on J-1 Exchange and Other Employment-Based Visas Set to Expire
A ban blocking certain employment-based visas implemented and extended by former President Trump is set to expire on March 31. The ban has likely prevented hundreds of thousands of people from participating in the American economy. In June 2020, the Trump administration… Read More
USCIS Begins to Reverse Course on H-1B Petitions
Employers and workers are starting to see a shift from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on unlawful restrictions of the H-1B specialty occupation visa category. Over the past nine months, USCIS rescinded three policy memoranda after federal courts found the agency’s positions to be contrary to the law and… Read More
U.S. Businesses Sue USCIS for Rejecting H-1B Petitions for not Backdating the Employment Start Date
A federal lawsuit filed on behalf of seven U.S. businesses challenges USCIS arbitrary rejection of H-1B nonimmigrant employment-based petitions filed after October 1 solely because the H-1B worker’s intended employment start date falls after October 1. Read More
Challenging USCIS’ Arbitrary Rejections of H-1B Petitions Filed After October 1
This lawsuit challenges USCIS' arbitrarily rejected H-1B petitions filed after October 1 simply because the H-1B worker’s intended employment start date—naturally—also fell after October 1. Read More
Coalition Letter to DHS Secretary Mayorkas Supporting the International Entrepreneur Rule
The American Immigration Council joined the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and other organizations in showing Secretary Mayorkas that there is strong support for the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER). The IER fills a gap by offering a short-term opportunity for highly-qualified foreign entrepreneurs to pursue new ventures “with substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation” in the United States. Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.