The recognition of same-sex marriage across the European Union has not only had social and legal implications but also significant economic benefits. A new study conducted by researchers from Washington State University reveals that European countries with same-sex marriage recognition have retained more highly skilled workers and reduced emigration to the United States [f5d63a69] [a08e2d36].
The study analyzed two decades of H-1B visa data and found that from 2000 to 2019, as European Union countries legalized same-sex marriage, the United States saw a 21% average drop in new H-1B visa applications from those member states. This decrease in visa applications suggests that marriage equality serves as a non-monetary incentive for attracting and retaining foreign skilled workers, including those in STEM fields [f5d63a69] [1c4f75e5] [a08e2d36].
The impact of same-sex marriage recognition on US immigration is particularly relevant in the context of the Biden administration's efforts to expedite employment-based nonimmigrant visas for US college graduates with job offers. The new policy aims to attract and retain skilled workers in the country, including those who recently graduated from US universities. By streamlining immigration procedures and prioritizing international students with job offers, the administration hopes to facilitate quicker visa issuance for eligible candidates. The recognition of same-sex marriage as a non-monetary incentive could further contribute to the attraction and retention of highly skilled workers in the United States, bolstering the country's workforce in various fields, including STEM [1c4f75e5] [4a143dcf] [a08e2d36].
Furthermore, the study found that both same-sex and heterosexual couples were likely to move to states that embraced and recognized same-sex marriages. This indicates that marriage equality not only attracts skilled workers but also promotes migration within the country, potentially benefiting local economies [f5d63a69] [a08e2d36].
Discrimination against same-sex marriages persists in 64 countries worldwide. The study highlights that discriminatory policies can harm the economy by deterring skilled and qualified labor, leading to a loss in taxes paid and spending. The economic benefits of marriage equality underscore the importance of equal rights and inclusivity in fostering a thriving workforce and economy [f5d63a69] [a08e2d36].
In addressing the chronic labor shortages in the United States, eb3.work, a recruitment service, assists employers in recruiting qualified foreign national workers for vacant entry-level positions through the EB-3 Visa Program. With 75% of employers reporting an inability to fill positions, the EB-3 Visa Program offers a solution by allowing businesses to offer permanent, full-time positions to foreign nationals. eb3.work helps employers by recruiting qualified foreign national applicants and managing the immigration process. The company's CEO, John Dorer, emphasizes their mission to help businesses transition from being understaffed to fully staffed. By attracting skilled workers from various industries, including construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and janitorial services, eb3.work aims to contribute to the economic and social development of the United States [01315d4c].
The US government's new policy to expedite employment-based visas for Nigerian graduates with job offers aligns with its broader efforts to attract and retain skilled workers. The Biden administration's initiative, combined with the recognition of same-sex marriage as a non-monetary incentive, demonstrates the country's commitment to building a diverse and highly skilled workforce. The impact of these measures on nonimmigrant visa issuance during the election year remains to be seen [1c4f75e5] [4a143dcf] [7e429f47] [a08e2d36].