Business Roundtable, a coalition of over 200 CEOs, has responded to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on October 23, 2023. The organization supports the efforts to improve the H-1B program and encourages USCIS to finalize and implement proposed changes to the H-1B registration process for the upcoming cap season. They also suggest adopting changes that minimize employment disruptions, provide flexible pathways to the United States, and support competency-based employment practices. However, they advise against advancing provisions that would narrow the definition of 'specialty profession' or impose new vetting requirements for judges. Business Roundtable also calls for clarification or modification of proposals related to the 'consideration' policy, paperwork and administrative burden, and site visits. They recommend further discussion on changes to third-party placement and the use or lose policy with stakeholders before finalizing these proposals.
In addition to their response to the NPRM, Business Roundtable has also responded to the U.S. Department of Labor's request for information on modernizing Schedule A to include consideration of additional occupations in STEM and non-STEM fields. The organization supports the revision of Schedule A to address workforce challenges and reduce burdens on the Department and the private sector. They encourage the Department to establish a data-driven process for regular updates that includes public input. Business Roundtable has conducted extensive research and released reports on immigration policy issues.
These responses from Business Roundtable provide valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to modernize H-1B requirements, provide flexibility in the F-1 program, and update Schedule A for STEM and non-STEM occupations. The organization's support for the proposed changes and their recommendations for further discussion highlight the importance of stakeholder input in shaping immigration policies that meet the needs of both employers and foreign workers [f42f8186] [431b3455].