Bill targets retaining national security talent

Reps. Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Elise Stefanik (R-NY) recently announced plans to introduce legislation designed to aid in retaining top talent by providing a pathway to an immigrant visa for non-citizens engaged in national security protection.

The National Security Innovation Pathway Act seeks to establish a pathway to permanent residency for students and professionals engaged in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum information sciences, biology, robotics, and hypersonics.

“The United States attracts some of the best minds to our universities and innovative companies and develops their expertise,” Langevin, chair of the House Committee on Armed Services’ Subcommittee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities, said. “They can fortify national security and protect our citizens, critical infrastructure, and interests. Unfortunately, much of that talent leaves because there are few options to remain. This critical legislation to retain and leverage researchers and technologists will boost the innovation that backs our national defense efforts.”

Bill beneficiaries may be employed in work related to national security innovation, involved in related government-funded research at institutions of higher learning, or possess scientific expertise advancing the critical technologies development.

“The National Security Innovation Pathway Act is a bipartisan proposal to ensure the United States is able to both attract and retain the top minds all over the world for technological innovation and national security expertise,” Stefanik, ranking member of the House Committee on Armed Services’ Subcommittee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities, said. “It’s critical that our country remains competitive in the national security space. This bipartisan legislation will ensure the United States has the ability to provide a pathway for those who are able to fortify and bring further innovation to our national security strategy.”