CNSI Supports NDAA Amendment to Streamline Green Cards for STEM Ph.D.s

For Immediate Release

Contact: Anna Kumar

akumar@monumentadvocacy.com

Washington, D.C. - Council for National Security and Immigration (CNSI) Leader and former Deputy and Acting Assistant Secretary for Policy Development of Department of Homeland Security Elaine Dezenski today released a statement applauding the bipartisan amendment from Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Jim Langevin (D-R.I.), and Peter Meijer (R-Mich.) to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to fast-track green cards for immigrants with advanced STEM degrees:

“The United States is facing a STEM skills shortage that is putting our position as the global leader in the technology and innovation sectors at risk. If we do not recruit and retain the world’s best and brightest, then we are giving away our advantage to countries that do not share America’s values, putting our security and supply chains at risk.

“The proposed amendment to the NDAA is a common-sense policy that will help keep high-skilled immigrants in America, supporting our critical industries. It defies belief that we bring scholars from other countries to study in our universities, and then deny skilled Ph.D.s the ability to stay in the U.S. We must ensure the talent we cultivate is able to contribute to America’s successes in critical industries and emerging technology sectors.”

CNSI has long advocated for a streamlined immigration process for advanced STEM degree holders. Please see past publications below:

• Statement: CNSI Leaders Urge Congress to Include Provisions in Competition Bill to Better Recruit and Retain STEM Talent 

• Fact Sheet: STEM Talent in Competition Bill

• White Paper: High-Skilled Immigration: America's Key for Competitiveness and National Security

Leaders of CNSI speak and act solely in their individual capacities, and their views should not be attributed to any organization with which they are affiliated.

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