Biden’s AI Executive Order To Streamline Immigration Process For Experts And Reduce Bias

President Joe Biden has signed the first-ever AI Executive Order (EO), establishing new standards for AI safety and security.

The EO aims to protect Americans’ privacy, advance equity and civil rights, and stand up for consumers and workers while promoting the US’ position as a leader in AI.

This includes making it easier for AI experts and highly skilled professionals from other countries to migrate to the US.

Streamlining Immigration for AI experts

Included in the EO is a set of directives designed to boost the ability of immigrants with AI expertise to obtain green cards or otherwise work for US companies at the forefront of AI and emerging technologies.

The draft order directs the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security to streamline visa applications and appointments for immigrants who plan to work on AI or other technologies.

It also urges the State Department to create new rules, making it easier for foreign nationals on temporary educational or exchange programs to work on AI and other emerging tech without interruption.

The EO also directs several agencies to create an overseas campaign to promote the US as an attractive destination for foreigners with science or tech expertise to study, research, or work on AI.

Some of the benefits offered by the EO include a reduced processing time – it aims to speed up visa petition processing times and ensures timely visa appointments.

There will also be an increase in continuous visa availability; the order potentially prevents gaps from occurring in the recruitment or hiring process due to administrative issues.

It also allows international students to attend international conferences more easily and enjoy hassle-free travel without being worried about having to spend a month away from their research, waiting for visa renewal.

Addressing AI Bias

The EO also recognizes that irresponsible uses of AI can lead to and deepen discrimination, bias, and other abuses in justice.

The President directed actions such as providing clear guidance to landlords, federal benefits programs, and federal contractors to keep AI algorithms from being used to exacerbate discrimination.

He also stated to address algorithmic discrimination through training, technical assistance, and coordination between the Department of Justice and Federal civil rights offices.

Fairness throughout the criminal justice system was also listed as an action to develop the best practices for using AI in sentencing, parole, probation, risk assessments, and surveillance.

TechCrunch notes that although the order addresses many key areas, some might interpret it as lacking “teeth”, referring to establishing ‘best practices’ rather than enforceable legislative changes.