More than 2,200 ITServe Alliance members representing small and medium-sized information technology (IT) firms have endorsed the December 2023 launch of a pilot domestic visa renewal program that is exclusively for H1B visas and will primarily benefit IT professionals.
The primary objectives of the initiative are to address the issue of lengthy wait times for visa appointments (currently 130 days) and to issue 20,000 work visa renewals, which accounts for approximately 10 percent of the anticipated 583,420 H-1B visa holders.
ITServe Alliance, which has advocated for the reinstatement of a domestic visa renewal program in recent years, has conveyed its appreciation and gratitude to the Department of Homeland Security for heeding its appeal and reestablishing the initiative.
Emphasizing that the US has to maintain its strength in the information and technology sector, ITServe Alliance president Vinay Mahajan, said, “The US has a large skills gap - availability of workers vs the openings for talent in the IT sector. We need the brightest minds from all over the world to keep our wide lead in technology and innovation. This new initiative is a good step to achieve this goal.”
The director of ITServe Alliance Policy Advocacy Committee (PAC), said Siva Moopanar, said, “ITServe Alliance will continue to support and advocate for immigration reforms that will help America maintain its tech leadership in the world.”
Stating that H-1B visa holders are crucial to the economic growth of the United States, the organization also endoresed the High-Skilled Immigration Reform for Employment (HIRE) Act, introduced by US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois.
The proposed legislation would enhance the competitiveness of the United States by facilitating the reduction of the skills gap in the labor market, contributing to economic growth and innovation, and leading to increased productivity and competitiveness in various industries, by creating new job opportunities by starting businesses and driving entrepreneurship.
ITServe has been dedicated to empowering local communities in the United States through the creation, retention, and promotion of employment opportunities since its inception in 2010. Furthermore, with a specific focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, the organization is actively involved in local communities across the nation and is committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR).
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