Bill Gates to champion U.S. immigration, education reforms

Bill Gates has long contended that the U.S. education system isn't producing enough qualified workers for the high-tech industry. There a number of other industries where one might say the same; certainly there's likely enough demand in the health policy and management industries where U.S. companies, hospitals and NGOs might consider hiring qualified non-U.S. candidates.

Additionally, much of the tech industry has long pushed for the raising of the H1B visa cap; this infamous visa category allows American companies to hire 65,000 non-U.S. workers. An additional 20,000 spaces are alloted for those who have completed a Masters or higher program. 6,500 spaces out of the 65,000 are reserved for Chilean and Singaporean citizens, pursuant to the free trade agreements with those countries. Holders of those visas, as opposed to holders of regular H1B visas, must demonstrate non-immigrant intent. They must intend to return to their countries upon completion of their jobs. Of course, citizens of those countries can always file for regular H1B visas, which do allow holders the intent to immigrate to the U.S.

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