Res. No. 1622
Resolution calling on the United States Congress to pass and the President to sign H.R. 6412/S.3553, also known as the Attracting the Best and Brightest Act of 2012, which would allocate up to 50,000 immigrant visas for advanced graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
By Council Members Dromm, Jackson, Barron, Comrie, Eugene, Ferreras, James, Mark-Viverito, Mendez, Palma, Williams and Rodriguez
Whereas, In an effort to promote economic growth by providing valuable immigrants with the visas they need to stay in this county, on September 18, 2012, H.R. 6429, also known as the STEM Jobs Act of 2012, was introduced in the United States Congress; and
Whereas, H.R. 6429 seeks to create 55,000 total immigrant visas for individuals who have advance degrees in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics ("STEM") field; and
Whereas, Many elected officials were opposed to such a bill because it would provide visas for only highly educated immigrants and eliminate the diversity visa program, which is awarded to immigrants from countries with low rates of immigration; and
Whereas, Because of such opposition, on September 20, 2012, H.R. 6429 failed to pass; and
Whereas, In response to H.R. 6429, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren introduced H.R. 6412, also known as the Attracting the Best and Brightest Act of 2012, which mirrors the language dictated in H.R. 6429, but neither contains a deadline for using the visa nor eliminates the diversity lottery program; and
Whereas, In addition, according to the bill, H.R. 6429 "makes unused STEM visas available for other employment-based visa categories"; and
Whereas, Furthermore, the bill contains protections for the children of these immigrants to prevent them from aging out while their immigrant visa petitions and permanent residency applications are pending; and
Whereas, In an effort to provide more opportunities for immigrants to apply for visas, Senator Charles Schumer introduced S. 3553, also known as the Benefits to Research and American Innovation through Nationality Statutes Act of 2012, which is similar to H.R.6412; and
Whereas, Currently, according to the 2010 Census immigrants, who have made positive contributions to the city's economy, culture and society, represent 36 percent of the city's population; and
Whereas, According to the Partnership for a New American Economy, a bipartisan group of 340 mayors and CEOs from across the country co-chaired by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a 1% increase in immigrants working in advanced positions leads to a 3% increase in U.S. exports to their home countries; and
Whereas, An infusion of foreign-born graduates would be a boom for the city's efforts to become a hub for the science and technology sector; and
Whereas, Without programs specifically designed to facilitate permanent residency for immigrants and their families, they are returning home to the detriment of our country or forced to live in society's shadows; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the United States Congress to pass and the President to sign H.R. 6412/S.3553, also known as the Attracting the Best and Brightest Act of 2012, which would allocate up to 50,000 immigrant visas for advanced graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
JSM
LS# 4086/4093
12/4/12