According to the National Science Foundation, during the last half-century, foreign-born students earned three-quarters of U.S. doctorate degrees in mathematics, engineering and computer science.

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Some of the proposals include items that the GOP-led House has already tackled in legislation in the last Congress, including an immigration bill for so-called "STEM" visas that would allow students born outside the United States who are enrolled in American universities studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to stay after they graduate and get jobs with U.S. companies.

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They also say the U.S. isn't producing enough professionals in science, technology, engineering or mathematics to spur innovation and growth.

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