Biden wants to simplify access to US for highly educated Russians

US President Joe Biden plans to waiver certain visa requirements for highly educated Russians wishing to come to the United States. That reports Bloomberg news agency, based on people who are familiar with the proposal.

Biden is said to have submitted a proposal to Congress to remove the requirement that Russian professionals applying for a work visa must have a current employer. The relaxation would apply to Russian citizens who hold a master’s or doctorate degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. More specifically, it should be made easier for Russians who have high-level experience in areas such as space technology, cybersecurity and nuclear engineering to move to the US.

According to a US National Security Council representative, the proposal aims to thwart Russian President Vladimir Putin’s access to high-tech assets and resources and weaken the longer-term basis for Russian innovation. In addition, the easing should contribute to the US economy and national security.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Biden’s cabinet says many highly educated Russians from tech sectors have fled abroad because of Russia’s limited financial resources due to sanctions imposed on the country by the European Union and the US.