S.1582 — GENIUS Act
House Roll Call
S.1582
| Bill | S.1582 — GENIUS Act |
|---|---|
| Vote question | On Passage |
| Vote type | Yea-and-Nay |
| Result | Passed |
| Totals | Yea 308 / Nay 122 / Present 0 / Not Voting 2 |
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | 206 | 12 | 0 | 2 |
| D | 102 | 110 | 0 | 0 |
| I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Research Brief
On Passage
Bill Analysis
The GENIUS Act (S. 1582), enacted as Public Law No: 119-27, aims to enhance the United States’ global competitiveness in science and technology by reforming the nation’s immigration policies related to high-skilled workers. The legislation primarily focuses on streamlining the visa process for foreign nationals with advanced degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.
Key provisions of the GENIUS Act include the establishment of a new visa category specifically for high-skilled workers, which allows for a more efficient pathway to permanent residency for individuals with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions or foreign equivalent degrees in STEM disciplines. This initiative is designed to attract and retain top talent in critical sectors, thereby bolstering the U.S. economy and innovation capacity.
The bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement these changes, including the creation of a new visa application process that prioritizes applicants with advanced degrees and relevant work experience. Additionally, it mandates the establishment of a program to expedite the processing of these visa applications, reducing wait times and bureaucratic hurdles.
The GENIUS Act is expected to benefit U.S. employers in technology and research sectors by providing them with access to a larger pool of skilled labor. It also aims to enhance the overall workforce by integrating highly educated individuals into the economy, thereby fostering innovation and economic growth.
The law includes provisions for regular assessments of its impact on the labor market and the economy, with reports due to Congress at specified intervals. The implementation of the new visa category and related processes is anticipated to begin within a year of enactment, with ongoing evaluations to ensure effectiveness and responsiveness to labor market needs.
Overall, the GENIUS Act represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, targeting the retention of high-skilled foreign talent to support national interests in technology and innovation.
Yea (308)
K
Ken Calvert
S
Scott Franklin
J
John Mannion
L
Lucy McBath
L
Lisa McClain
J
John Rutherford
D
David Schweikert
P
Pete Sessions
E
Eric Swalwell
D
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Nay (122)
J
Jason Crow
L
Lloyd Doggett
J
John Garamendi
R
Rashida Tlaib
N
Nydia Velázquez
Not Voting (2)
M
Mark Green
