The America COMPETES Act contains a provision that would lift the cap on the number of highly skilled STEM-focused PhD immigrants who are allowed permanent residency in the United States. This policy could ease the “brain drain” that happens when U.S.-educated PhDs are forced to seek employment outside of the United States when their visas expire. It could also have the added benefit of providing key national and cybersecurity expertise at a moment when geopolitical challenges, coupled with a very tight labor market, have created a heightened need for such skills.

Join the American Action Forum for a conversation about the potential impact of this provision and similar proposals that would provide a pathway for skilled national security and STEM professionals to remain in the United States.

Key topics include:

• Would expanding the pool of STEM PhD’s help address cybersecurity labor shortages pertinent to national security?

• With regard to national defense, which STEM specializations are most in need of incoming workers?

• Are there other efficient ways to address the expected highly-skilled STEM shortage in the event that the visa cap remains at its present level?

Panelists:

– Dr. Leigh Armistead, CISSP, President, Peregrine Technical Solutions, LLC

– Alexandra Seymour, Associate Fellow, Technology and National Security Program, Center for a New American Security

– Remco Zwetsloot, Trustee Fellow, International Security Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies

 

RSVP required by May 30. Lunch will be provided.