While we still hold out hope for innovative policies such as green cards for STEM diplomas and the proposed "startup visa," a stopgap measure (similar to the administration's DACA directive) is critical to maintain the status of foreign-born STEM graduates and entrepreneurs.
Specifically, we urge the president to 1) offer STEM graduate degree holders some form of conditional residency until more permanent measures are put in place, and 2) authorize self-sponsored H-1B petitions for entrepreneurs in lieu of a dedicated visa.
In the meantime, each day of failed Congressional compromise on immigration results in another batch of talented young scientists & entrepreneurs being forced to leave our shores. An executive directive will stem that tide as we work toward a broader solution.