STEM Guest Workers and the U.S. Economy
- November 6th, 2022
- in Capstone Commentary
By: Sara Robideaux
The STEM disciplines are widespread and valuable fields to which many of the guest workers of America contribute. The H-1B visa focuses on specialty occupations, generally requiring a degree. Although there are various specialties, STEM occupations are currently the majority, with about 90% of total H-1B visas.[1] The H-1B visa requires the employer to hold the visa while the employee (or guest worker) is the beneficiary. Beneficiaries are allowed to participate in this visa under one of these conditions; they hold a bachelor’s degree or a state license in the specialized field, or they have training or experience that is considered equivalent to a degree. With over half a million foreign workers in the United States, guest worker programs have proven to be a policy that we should consider carefully.