Tech industry sees mixed bag in Obama’s immigration plan

The US tech industry has been fighting for reform of the country's immigration system for years. On Nov 20, President Barack Obama gave the industry what they called welcomed help -- but that's not nearly all they want.

What exactly did President Obama do on immigration policy? First, he has directed the Department of Homeland Security to begin expanding a popular program, Optional Practical Training, that allows foreign students and recent graduates who attended US colleges to work in the country longer. The program already allows so-called STEM workers, those who specialize in science, technology, engineering and math, to stay in the country for an extended period, 29 months. Under Obama's plan, those students and recent graduates would be able to stay longer and what is counted as a STEM worker could be broadened. The details will be worked out by DHS. Acknowledging long-standing complaints that there is currently too little oversight of the OPT program, President Obama called on DHS to ensure that colleges better manage the students and recent graduates who are participating in the program.

President Obama also acted to make it easier for foreign entrepreneurs to come to the United States.