However, the proposed H-1B rule, which narrows the positions considered specialty occupations, could make it harder for employers to attract and retain foreign-born talent in AI and related fields. Critics argue that the rule's language could be used to deny H-1B petitions where the degree field doesn't precisely match the job role. Despite these concerns, the executive order is seen as a positive step towards attracting and retaining foreign workers with specialized skills in AI and other critical technologies.
Key takeaways:
- President Biden issued an executive order on the “Safe, Secure and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence” which recognizes the significant role of immigrants, international students and high-skilled temporary visa holders in AI.
- The executive order instructs government agencies to streamline visa processing times for noncitizens who seek to work on, study, or conduct research in AI or other critical and emerging technologies.
- The executive order also asks the Department of Homeland Security to clarify and modernize immigration pathways for experts in AI and other critical and emerging technologies.
- However, the proposed H-1B rule referenced in the executive order could make it more difficult for employers to attract and retain AI and related foreign-born talent, creating an inconsistency between the proposed rule and AI executive order.