Bill Overview
Title: Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of Labor to submit to Congress a study on the factors affecting employment opportunities for certain individuals with professional credentials obtained in a non-U.S. country, specifically individuals who are lawfully present noncitizens or naturalized U.S. citizens. The study shall include policy recommendations for better enabling such individuals to obtain skill-appropriate employment in the United States.
Sponsors: Rep. Katko, John [R-NY-24]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals in the U.S. with professional credentials obtained in a non-U.S. country
Estimated Size: 15000000
- The bill targets individuals who have professional credentials obtained outside of the U.S. This group includes both noncitizens lawfully present in the U.S. and naturalized U.S. citizens, suggesting a focus on the immigrant population that has technical or professional qualifications.
- Naturalized U.S. citizens are included, indicating people who have gone through the process of becoming U.S. citizens after being born in another country.
- Lawfully present noncitizens could include a range of immigration statuses such as permanent residents, visa holders, and refugees.
- The purpose of the bill is to understand employment barriers and opportunities for these populations, notably looking at skill and employment match, reflecting on systemic employment barriers for immigrants and foreign professionals.
Reasoning
- This policy targets a unique group of people who face specific challenges in the job market due to their foreign professional credentials.
- The budget limits imply that not all 15 million people estimated to fit this category will receive benefits directly, hence the concentrated impact on those who do.
- Indirect benefits could include raising awareness and creating systemic changes that improve employment conditions for the group at large.
- Housing, transportation, language proficiency, and local job market conditions will also affect the policy's impact.
Simulated Interviews
Architect (New York, NY)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel that my professional skills have not been fully utilized in the U.S., partly due to the recognition of my foreign degree.
- This policy could shine a light on the challenges we face and lead to greater recognition of our qualifications.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Healthcare Administrator (Miami, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I want to work as a doctor here, but the certification barriers are too high.
- If this study leads to changes, it would make a significant difference in my life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Software Engineer (Salt Lake City, UT)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the study can lead to initiatives that ensure employers recognize my skills and experience.
- Integration programs would be helpful.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Civil Engineer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any policy improving skill recognition could persuade me to continue working.
- I hope it brings real solutions, not just more studies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Chemical Technician (Houston, TX)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The outcome of this policy is crucial for professionals like me seeking to align our skills with the U.S. job market.
- Improvement in credential recognition can open up more opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired Pharmacist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am retired, but support for younger professionals is critical.
- I want to see the younger generation face fewer barriers than I did.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Mechanical Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy leads to real job offers matching my skills.
- The potential for reform gives us optimism.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
IT Consultant (Austin, TX)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like these should address the root cause of underemployment in skilled immigrants.
- I hope this leads to recognizing international experiences.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Professor (Boston, MA)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am hopeful this research can demonstrate the value of foreign teaching experiences.
- A change would benefit diverse voices in academia.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Civil Engineer (Denver, CO)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Greater acknowledgment of my degree would mean more chances to grow professionally in the U.S.
- I hope this policy brings tangible changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The study's findings could inform future policy decisions that enhance economic integration and utilization of foreign professional credentials.
- The labor market dynamics and institutional barriers faced by immigrants in professional sectors are complex and context-dependent, influencing potential impacts.