Semiconductor industry call for changes in US skilled immigration policies

Speaking on a live webcast, George Scalise said that the US had failed to deal with the current problems of getting visas and green cards for workers.

This has resulted in many bright people coming to the US to study, but being forced to leave again to find work rather than remaining with an American company.

"We really need to modify the immigration policies as it relates to the H1-B visas and green cards so that it's really fast, efficient and certain for these young students," Mr Scalise said in the webcast, broadcast by Semiconductor International.

He pointed to examples in the EU, where there are currently plans for a 'blue card' system which will encourage young people to study in European universities and then continue their careers in Europe.

Anyone applying for an American visa should begin by taking the American Visa Bureau's online American visa application to see if they meet the basic legislative requirements.