It is a good start, but here is another good idea to the lawmakers.<p>How about automatic Green Card to any H-1B holder that has been working in the US for more than 5 years.<p>1. To get a H-1B there is a prevailing wage that the employer has to pay. Enforce that well to avoid body shops type of miss usage.<p>2. If you were continuously paid that prevailing wage, that means that there is need for that skill your bring.<p>5th year the green card should be in the mail. I bet a lot of current H-1B holders are itching to start a startup, but they just can't easily walk away from jobs, or their statuses will be jeopardized.<p>I have to remember the HN community that there is a lot of good talent that are holding H-1Bs. Many of them went to US universities and transitioned from F-1 to H-1B. By the fifth year of employment they will reach 27, a good age to start something yours.<p>But unfortunately a lot of H-1B holders have to wait for years, and go through massive bureaucratic procedures to convert to a GC.
Only lawyers and large employers profit from the current status.<p>When mobility of employers is restricted by artificial means, the economy and public in general looses some, while only few actors win/make a profit out of it.<p>Continuous employment for 5 years with good salaries is a good balance to show that there is a need for said foreigner.
I sincerely hope that the congress takes a good look at this in detail and pass the bill. This would help a lot of H1 Visa struggling with huge talent and obnoxious job fits, and their urge to start something in the states. Go Startup Visa!
As a Canadian, I'm actually a little appalled by this. Toronto and Vancouver are hotbeds for gaming, are fast becoming thriving startup communities, and need smart, motivated entrepreneurs more than ever... why can't Mr. Wong stick around and do some good for his country if he has already secured funding?
Interesting that it is trying to create jobs in a sector where demand mostly outstrips supply, but specifically looks to exclude the lower growth sectors that often supply the bulk of the jobs that have gone missing in the last few years.