I-Squared Act of 2015

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize additional visas for well-educated aliens to live and work in the United States, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Immigration Innovation Act of 2015 I-Squared Act of 2015 2. Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title. Sec. 2. Table of contents. TITLE I—Employment-Based Nonimmigrant Visas Sec. 101. Market-based H–1B visa limits. Sec. 102. Employment authorization for dependents of H–1B nonimmigrants. Sec. 103. Eliminating impediments to worker mobility. TITLE II—Student Visas Sec. 201. Authorization of dual intent. TITLE III—Employment-Based Immigrant Visas Sec. 301. Elimination of per-country numerical limitations. Sec. 302. Ensuring all preference employment-based immigrant visas are issued. Sec. 303. Aliens not subject to direct numerical limitation. TITLE IV—STEM Education Funding Sec. 401. Funding for STEM education and training. Sec. 402. Promoting American Ingenuity Account. Sec. 403. STEM education grant application process. Sec. 404. Approved activities. Sec. 405. National evaluation. Sec. 406. Rule of construction. I Employment-Based Nonimmigrant Visas 101. Market-based H–1B visa limits (a) In general Section 214(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1184(g) (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking (beginning with fiscal year 1992) (B) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows: (A) under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) may not exceed the sum of— (i) the base allocation calculated under paragraph (9)(A); and (ii) the allocation adjustment calculated under paragraph (9)(B); and ; (2) in paragraph (5)— (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking or (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking , until the number of aliens who are exempted from such numerical limitation during such year exceeds 20,000. ; or (3) in paragraph (8), by striking subparagraphs (B)(iv) and (D); (4) by redesignating paragraph (10) as subparagraph (D) of paragraph (9); (5) by redesignating paragraph (9) as paragraph (10); and (6) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following: (9) (A) The base allocation of nonimmigrant visas under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) for each fiscal year shall be equal to— (i) the sum of— (I) the base allocation for the most recently completed fiscal year; and (II) the allocation adjustment for the most recently completed fiscal year; (ii) if the number calculated under clause (i) is less than 115,000, 115,000; or (iii) if the number calculated under clause (i) is more than 195,000, 195,000. (B) (i) If the number of cap-subject nonimmigrant visa petitions approved under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) during the first 45 days petitions may be filed for a fiscal year is equal to the base allocation for such fiscal year, an additional 20,000 such visas shall be made available beginning on the 46th day on which petitions may be filed for such fiscal year. (ii) If the base allocation of cap-subject nonimmigrant visa petitions approved under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) for a fiscal year is reached during the 15-day period ending on the 60th day on which petitions may be filed for such fiscal year, an additional 15,000 such visas shall be made available beginning on the 61st day on which petitions may be filed for such fiscal year. (iii) If the base allocation of cap-subject nonimmigrant visa petitions approved under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) for a fiscal year is reached during the 30-day period ending on the 90th day on which petitions may be filed for such fiscal year, an additional 10,000 such visas shall be made available beginning on the 91st day on which petitions may be filed for such fiscal year. (iv) If the base allocation of cap-subject nonimmigrant visa petitions approved under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) for a fiscal year is reached during the 185-day period ending on the 275th day on which petitions may be filed for such fiscal year, an additional 5,000 such visas shall be made available beginning on the date on which such allocation is reached. (v) If the number of cap-subject nonimmigrant visa petitions approved under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) for a fiscal year is at least 5,000 fewer than the base allocation, but is not more than 9,999 fewer than the base allocation, the allocation adjustment for the following fiscal year shall be −5,000. (vi) If the number of cap-subject nonimmigrant visa petitions approved under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) for a fiscal year is at least 10,000 fewer than the base allocation, but not more than 14,999 fewer than the base allocation, the allocation adjustment for the following fiscal year shall be −10,000. (vii) If the number of cap-subject nonimmigrant visa petitions approved under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) for a fiscal year is at least 15,000 fewer than the base allocation, but not more than 19,999 fewer than the base allocation, the allocation adjustment for the following fiscal year shall be −15,000. (viii) If the number of cap-subject nonimmigrant visa petitions approved under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) for a fiscal year is at least 20,000 fewer than the base allocation, the allocation adjustment for the following fiscal year shall be −20,000. . (b) Reporting requirement The Secretary of Homeland Security shall— (1) timely upload to a public website data that summarizes the adjudication of nonimmigrant petitions under section 101(a)(15)(H)(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(b) (2) allow the timely adjustment of visa allocations under section 214(g)(9)(B) of such Act, as added by subsection (a). 102. Employment authorization for dependents of H–1B nonimmigrants Section 214(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1184(c) (1) by striking Attorney General Secretary of Homeland Security (2) in paragraph (2), by amending subparagraph (E) to read as follows: (E) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall— (i) authorize an alien spouse admitted under subparagraph (H)(i)(b) or (L) of section 101(a)(15) who is accompanying or following to join the principal alien to engage in employment in the United States; and (ii) provide the spouse with an employment authorized . 103. Eliminating impediments to worker mobility (a) Deference to prior approvals Section 214(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1184(c) (9) If the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary of State approves a visa, petition, or application for admission on behalf of an alien described in subparagraph (H)(i)(b) or (L) of section 101(a)(15), the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary of State may not deny a subsequent petition, visa, or application for admission involving the same employer and alien unless the applicant is provided with a written finding that explains the basis for the Government’s determination that— (A) there was a material error with regard to the approval of the previous petition, visa, or application for admission; (B) a substantial change in circumstances has taken place since the prior approval or admission that renders the nonimmigrant ineligible for such status under this Act; or (C) new material information has been discovered that adversely impacts the eligibility of the employer or the nonimmigrant. . (b) Effect of ending employment relationship Section 214(n) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1184(n) (3) A nonimmigrant admitted under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) whose employment relationship ends (either voluntarily or involuntarily) before the expiration of the nonimmigrant’s period of authorized admission shall be deemed to have retained such legal status throughout the 60-day period beginning on such employment ending date if an employer files a petition to extend, change, or adjust the status of the nonimmigrant during such period. . (c) Visa revalidation Section 222(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1202(c) The Secretary of State shall authorize an alien admitted under subparagraph (E), (H), (L), (O), or (P) of section 101(a)(15) to renew his or her nonimmigrant visa in the United States if the alien has remained eligible for such status. II Student Visas 201. Authorization of dual intent (a) Definition Section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i) which he has no intention of abandoning (b) Presumption of Status; Intention To Abandon Foreign Residence Section 214 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1184 (1) in subsection (b), by striking (L) or (V) (F), (L), or (V) (2) in subsection (h), by striking (H)(i)(b) or (c) (F), (H)(i)(b), (H)(i)(c) III Employment-Based Immigrant Visas 301. Elimination of per-country numerical limitations (a) In general Section 202(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1152(a)(2) (2) Per country levels for family-sponsored immigrants Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), the total number of immigrant visas made available to natives of any single foreign state or dependent area under section 203(a) in any fiscal year may not exceed 15 percent (in the case of a single foreign state) or 2 percent (in the case of a dependent area) of the total number of such visas made available under such section in that fiscal year. . (b) Conforming amendments Section 202 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1152 (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (3), by striking both subsections (a) and (b) of section 203 section 203(a) (B) by striking paragraph (5); and (2) by amending subsection (e) to read as follows: (e) Special rules for countries at ceiling If the total number of immigrant visas made available under section 203(a) to natives of any single foreign state or dependent area will exceed the numerical limitation specified in subsection (a)(2) in any fiscal year, the number of visas for natives of that state or area shall be allocated under section 203(a) so that, except as provided in subsection (a)(4), the proportion of the visa numbers made available under each of paragraphs (1) through (4) of section 203(a) is equal to the ratio of the total number of visas made available under the respective paragraph to the total number of visas made available under section 203(a). . (c) Country-Specific Offset Section 2 of the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 ( 8 U.S.C. 1255 (1) in subsection (a), by striking subsection (e)) subsection (d)) (2) by striking subsection (d) and redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d). (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2015, and shall apply to fiscal years beginning with fiscal year 2016. 302. Ensuring all preference employment-based immigrant visas are issued (a) Backlog reduction (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, beginning in fiscal year 2016, the number of employment-based immigrant visas that shall be issued under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section 203(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1153(b) (2) Number available (A) In general The number computed under this paragraph is— (i) the greater of— (I) the number of preference immigrant visas computed under section 201(d)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1151(d)(1) (II) 200,000; minus (ii) the number described in subparagraph (B). (B) Reduction The number described in subparagraph (A)(i) shall be reduced, for each fiscal year after fiscal year 2016, by the cumulative number of immigrant visas issued for previous fiscal years pursuant to the increase authorized under paragraph (1). (C) Construction (i) In general Nothing in this paragraph may be construed as affecting the application of section 201(c)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1151(c)(3)(C) (ii) Limitation The visas authorized by the increase computed under subparagraph (A) may only be issued to aliens seeking immigrant visas pursuant to paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section 203(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1153(b) (b) Preference immigration as directed by Congress Section 201(c)(1)(B)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1151(c)(1)(B)(ii) (ii) The number computed under subparagraph (A) shall not be less than the sum of— (I) 226,000; plus (II) the number computed under paragraph (3). . (c) Ensuring full implementation Section 203(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1153(g) (g) Lists (g) Administration (1) Obligation to issue all authorized visas (A) In general The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall administer this section in a manner that ensures that all immigrant visas authorized by Congress to be issued under this section are issued to qualified applicants. (B) Notice Not later than June 1 of each fiscal year, the Secretary of State shall publish a notice in the Federal Register that describes the steps that the Government is taking to comply with subparagraph (A). (2) Lists In order to carry out . (d) Facilitating issuance of visas Section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1255(a) For purposes of paragraph (3), an immigrant visa is deemed to be immediately available if any visa number allocated under this Act to preference immigrants described in section 203(b) has not yet been issued for that fiscal year. . 303. Aliens not subject to direct numerical limitation (a) In general Section 201(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(1) (F) Aliens who are the spouse or a child of an alien admitted as an employment-based immigrant under section 203(b). (G) Aliens who have earned a master's or higher degree in a field listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program List published by the Department of Homeland Security on the Student and Exchange Visitor Program website from an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001(a) (H) Aliens for whom a petition for an employment-based immigrant visa under paragraph (A) or (B) of section 203(b)(1) has been approved. . (b) Conforming amendments Section 203(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1153(b) (1) in paragraph (1), by striking 28.6 percent 12 percent (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking 28.6 percent 36.9 percent (3) in paragraph (3)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking 28.6 percent 36.9 percent (B) by striking subparagraph (B); and (C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B). IV STEM Education Funding 401. Funding for STEM education and training (a) Nonimmigrant fee adjustment and allocation Section 214(c)(9) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(9) (1) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows: (B) The amount of the fee imposed under this paragraph shall be— (i) $1,250 for each such petition filed by an employer with not more than 25 full-time equivalent employees who are employed in the United States (determined by including any affiliate or subsidiary of such employer); and (ii) $2,500 for each such petition filed by an employer with more than 25 such employees. ; and (2) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows: (C) Fees collected under this paragraph shall be distributed as follows: (i) Of the amounts collected pursuant to subparagraph (B)(i)— (I) $750 shall be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with section 286(s); and (II) $500 shall be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with section 286(w). (ii) Of the amounts collected pursuant to subparagraph (B)(ii)— (I) $1,500 shall be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with section 286(s); and (II) $1,000 shall be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with section 286(w). . (b) Conforming amendment Section 286(s)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1356(s)(1) There shall be deposited as offsetting receipts into the account a portion of the fees collected under paragraphs (9) and (11) of section 214(c). (c) Immigrant fee Section 203(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1153(b) (7) Funding for STEM education and training The Secretary of Homeland Security shall impose a fee of $1,000 on each I–140 immigrant visa petition filed under this subsection. Amounts collected under this paragraph shall be deposited into the Treasury in accordance with section 286(w). . 402. Promoting American Ingenuity Account Section 286 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1356 (w) Promoting American Ingenuity Account (1) In general There is established in the general fund of the Treasury a separate account, which shall be known as the Promoting American Ingenuity Account (2) Purposes The purposes of the Promoting American Ingenuity Account are to enhance the economic competitiveness of the United States by— (A) strengthening STEM education, including in computer science, at all levels; (B) ensuring that schools have access to well-trained and effective STEM teachers; (C) supporting efforts to strengthen the elementary and secondary curriculum, including efforts to make courses in computer science more broadly available; and (D) helping colleges and universities produce more graduates in fields needed by American employers. (3) Allocation of funds (A) National activities The Secretary of Education may reserve up to 2 percent of the amounts deposited into the Promoting American Ingenuity Account for national research, development, demonstration, evaluation, and dissemination activities carried out directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, including— (i) activities undertaken jointly with other Federal agencies, such as STEM mission agencies; and (ii) grants to nonprofit organizations for nationally significant activities consistent with the purposes of the Immigration Innovation Act of 2015 (B) American dream accounts (i) Grants authorized The Secretary of Education shall allocate 3 percent of the amounts deposited into the Promoting American Ingenuity Account to award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to enable such entities to establish and administer American Dream Accounts. (ii) Purpose of accounts American Dream Accounts shall be personal, online accounts for low-income students that include a college savings account, monitor progress toward higher education, and provide opportunities, including mentoring— (I) to gain financial literacy skills; (II) to learn about preparing for enrollment in an institution of higher education; and (III) to identify career interests. (iii) Priority The Secretary shall give priority to applicants that demonstrate that they intend to focus on STEM education and careers. (iv) Eligible entities An eligible entity may be a partnership of 2 or more of the following entities: (I) A State educational agency. (II) A local educational agency. (III) A charter management organization. (IV) An institution of higher education. (V) A nonprofit organization. (VI) An organization with demonstrated experience in educational savings or in preparing low-income students for higher education. (C) Allocations to states (i) In general Subject to clause (ii), the Secretary of Education shall proportionately allocate the remaining amounts deposited into the account to the States each fiscal year in an amount that bears the same relationship to the remainder as the amount the State received under subpart 2 of part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6331 et seq. (ii) Minimum allocations No State shall receive less than an amount equal to 0.5 percent of the total amount made available to all States from the Promoting American Ingenuity Account. If a State does not request an allocation from the Account for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reallocate the State’s allocation to the remaining States in accordance with this section. . 403. STEM education grant application process (a) Application Each State desiring to receive an allocation from the Promoting American Ingenuity Account established under section 286(w) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1356(w) (b) Approval The Secretary of Education shall approve any application submitted under subsection (a) that meets the requirements prescribed by the Secretary if the Secretary determines, after evaluating the recommendations of peer reviewers, that the State’s plan for the use of funds would be successful in making progress toward meeting the purposes set forth in section 286(w)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1356(w)(2) 404. Approved activities A State or other entity that receives funding from the Promoting American Ingenuity Account may use such funding— (1) to strengthen the State’s academic achievement standards in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); (2) to implement strategies for the recruitment, training, placement, and retention of teachers in STEM fields, including computer science; (3) to carry out initiatives designed to assist students in succeeding and graduating from postsecondary STEM programs; (4) to improve the availability and access to STEM-related worker training programs, including community college courses and programs; and (5) for other activities approved by the Secretary of Education to improve STEM education. 405. National evaluation (a) In general Using amounts reserved under section 286(w)(3)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as added by section 402, the Secretary of Education shall conduct, directly or through a grant or contract, an annual evaluation of the implementation and impact of the activities funded by the Promoting American Ingenuity Account. (b) Annual Report The Secretary shall submit a report describing the results of each evaluation conducted under subsection (a) to— (1) the President; (2) the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate (3) the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives (4) the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate (5) the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives (c) Dissemination The Secretary shall make the findings of the evaluation widely available to educators, the business community, and the public. 406. Rule of construction Nothing in this title may be construed to permit the Secretary of Education or any other Federal official to approve the content or academic achievement standards of a State.

Summary: Immigration Innovation Act of 2015 or the I-Squared Act of 2015 Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish an annual cap on H-1B nonimmigrant visas (specialty occupations) at between 115,000 and 195,000 visas depending upon market conditions and existing demand. (The current annual H-1B cap is 65,000.) Sets forth allocation provisions. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) authorize the accompanying spouse of an H-1B alien to work in the United States, and (2) provide such spouse with an appropriate work permit. Prohibits the Secretary of DHS or the Secretary of State from denying a subsequent petition or application for a previously approved visa petition or admission application to extend the status of an H-1B or L-visa (intra-company transferee) nonimmigrant involving the same alien and petitioner unless: there was a material error in the previous petition approval, a substantial change in circumstances has taken place that renders the nonimmigrant ineligible for such status, or new information has been discovered that adversely impacts the eligibility of the employer or the nonimmigrant. Deems an H-1B nonimmigrant whose employment relationship ends (voluntarily or involuntarily) before the expiration of his or her period of authorized admission to have retained such legal status for 60 days if an employer files a petition to extend, change, or adjust the person's status during such period. Directs the Secretary of State to authorize a qualifying alien admitted under an E-visa (treaty traders and investors), H-visa (temporary workers), L-visa (intracompany transferees), O-visa (extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, athletics, or the arts or films or television), or P-visa (athletes, artists, and entertainers) to renew his or her nonimmigrant visa in the United States. Eliminates the foreign student visa requirement that an individual has no intention of abandoning his or her foreign residence. Eliminates the per country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants and increases the per country family category limit. Applies such provisions beginning with FY2016. Amends the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 to eliminate the provision requiring the reduction of annual Chinese immigrant visas to offset status adjustments under such Act. Provides for the recapture of unused employment-based immigrant visas. Directs the Secretary of State to ensure that all authorized immigrant visas are issued to qualified applicants. Excludes from employment based immigrant limitations aliens: (1) who are the spouse or child of an employment-based immigrant; (2) who have a master's or higher degree in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, and math) from a school qualified under the Higher Education Act of 1965; and (3) for whom a priority worker petition for an employment-based immigrant visa has been approved. Increases H-1B employer fees and establishes a fee on employment-based visa petitions. Provides that such fees shall be used for STEM education and training. Establishes in the Treasury the Promoting American Ingenuity Account to enhance U.S. economic competitiveness by: (1) strengthening STEM education and ensuring that schools have access to well-trained STEM teachers; (2) strengthening the elementary and secondary curriculum, including efforts to increase computer science course availability; and (3) helping colleges and universities produce more graduates in fields needed by American employers. Allocates 3% of Account deposits for grants to establish American Dream Accounts. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) fund allocations, (2) state grant applications, and (3) approved grant activities. States that nothing in such STEM funding provisions shall be construed to permit the Secretary of Education or any other federal official to approve the content or academic achievement standards of a state.