We should help foreign graduates and foreign professionals, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, through an increased number of available H-1B work visas and a STEM green card program.

CNN: Give more visas to foreign-born workers

Those here for five years or more would be eligible for a program moving them to legal (green card) status.

NPR: Q&A: Will the Senate Move on Immigration?

Some immigrants are holding off because Congress has begun to consider an immigration overhaul that could offer legal permanent status to most of the 11 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. The DACA program doesn't offer a green card or a path to citizenship, and participants must reapply every two years.

WSJ: Young Immigrants' Applications to Stay in U.S. Fall Sharply