There have been efforts to modernize the legal immigration system to meet the needs of the U.S. economy which relies heavily on skilled foreign labor.

1. H-1B VISA EXPANSION

This visa allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialized fields (IT, engineering, and healthcare). There has been a proposal to increase the annual cap on H-1B visas to address the high demand for skilled workers.

2. STEM TALENT RETENTION

Advocates argue the U.S. must retain highly educated STEM professionals trained in the country's universities (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). It is proposed that these students be offered a permanent residency to keep their skills in the U.S.

3. PATH TO GREEN CARDS

Workers on H-1B visas face years of waiting due to per-country caps on employment-based green cards. Advocates propose these country caps be raised, this would allow a more efficient system for skilled immigrants to gain a legal permanent residency.

4. WORK AUTHORIZATION FOR H-4 VISA HOLDERS

There are calls to protect or expand work authorization for H-4 visa holders, who are spouses of H-1B workers. In 2015 certain H-4 visa holders (mostly women) were granted work authorization. Advocacy groups want to retain this authorization to support immigrant families while at the same time fully utilizing the workforce.

5. ECONOMIC IMPACT

The immigrant reform argues that bringing in and also retaining skilled workers is essential for the economy. Many startups have been founded or co-founded by immigrants and skilled workers.

6. POLITICAL AND LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS

There have been bills created to eliminate this issue such as the "Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act" which seeks to eradicate country-specific caps, while others aim to simplify the green card process or also expand H-1B visa allocations.