US Lawmaker Urges Biden to Support 'Korean Professional Employment Visa Bill'

15,000 Annual Issuances to Professional Korean Nationals
"Korean Workers Are the Most Skilled Globally, Essential to the US"

A former U.S. House Representative who led the adoption of a resolution to strengthen the U.S.-Korea alliance urged President Joe Biden to support a bill establishing a new professional employment visa (E-4) for Koreans.

Tom Suozzi (Democrat, New York) held a press conference on the 30th (local time) at his district office in Queens, New York City, stating, "I called on President Biden to publicly express his support for the 'Korean Partner Act' submitted to the U.S. Congress."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

The Korean Partner Act aims to issue up to 15,000 professional employment visas (E-4) annually to Korean nationals with specialized skills. The bill was introduced in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in April last year.

Representative Suozzi emphasized, "Korea is an essential ally to the United States and possesses one of the most skilled and diverse workforces in the world. Encouraging strengthened relationships between companies in both countries amid growing threats in the Indo-Pacific region is vital for the sustained economic growth and national security of the United States."

According to the letter released that day addressed to President Biden, Suozzi highlighted the necessity of the Korean Partner Act, stating, "Despite the security and economic ties between Korea and the U.S. being stronger than ever, many Koreans who contribute significantly to the U.S. economy or excel in American higher education institutions are often unable to make additional contributions due to visa restrictions."

Previously, in 2020, Representative Suozzi submitted a resolution titled "Recognizing the Importance of the U.S.-Korea Alliance and the Contributions of Korean Americans," which played a leading role in its passage through the U.S. Congress.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.