Biden’s AI Executive Order Boosts US Tech Industry, Expands Opportunities for Skilled Immigrants
President Biden has issued a transformative executive order on artificial intelligence (AI) that aims to revolutionize the technology, labor, and immigration sectors in the United States. The order establishes new standards for AI safety and security while prioritizing the protection of U.S. residents’ privacy. It also promotes innovation and advances in AI and emerging technologies. One of the key aspects of the executive order is its directive to expand opportunities for highly skilled immigrants and nonimmigrants in the AI field.
Within 90 days, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are directed to take several actions as outlined in the order. This includes streamlining visa petition and application processing times, ensuring timely availability of visa appointments for foreign nationals who wish to work, study, or conduct research in AI or other critical emerging technologies in the United States.
The executive order also urges the State Department to review and potentially make changes to the J-1 exchange visitor program within 120 days. The goal is to facilitate the entry of individuals working in AI or other emerging technologies into the United States. This would involve updating the J-1 Exchange Visitor Skills List and establishing new criteria for designating countries and skills, especially in AI, which is deemed critical to the United States with regard to the 2-year foreign residence requirement. Additionally, the order encourages the State Department to consider a stateside visa renewal program for exchange visitors in AI and emerging technologies.
In the quest to attract top talent, the executive order requests the State Department to consider, within 180 days, new regulations expanding the categories of nonimmigrants eligible for stateside visa renewal. This would encompass academic J-1 research scholars and F-1 students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Furthermore, the order calls for the establishment of a program to identify and attract outstanding individuals in AI-adjacent fields through various U.S. immigration options, potentially expediting case processing.
To enhance the United States’ position as the premier destination for foreign nationals specializing in science and technology, the executive order instructs multiple agencies to launch a global campaign within 180 days. This campaign will promote the country as an ideal hub for studying or working on AI and other critical and emerging technologies. Key elements of the campaign include:
– Showcasing existing AI research, development, and commercialization activities in the U.S.
– Promoting partnerships between U.S. educational institutions and foreign counterparts
– Highlighting the benefits and opportunities available for AI professionals in the United States
– Encouraging collaborations between U.S. and foreign research institutions and corporations
The implications of this executive order for the U.S. tech industry are substantial. By facilitating the entry of skilled immigrants, the Biden administration aims to strengthen the nation’s position at the forefront of AI advancements and innovation. This directive recognizes that the growth and leadership of the United States in AI and related technologies heavily rely on attracting and retaining top global talent.
Overall, President Biden’s executive order signifies a significant step towards transforming the landscape of AI, technology, and immigration in the United States. The order’s focus on expanding opportunities for skilled immigrants and promoting AI advancements demonstrates the administration’s commitment to fostering innovation and maintaining a competitive edge in the global tech industry.
