I love how these "proposals to attract and retain highly skilled immigrants" do not cover O-1 holders, the "individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement".
(I'm guessing because O-1 visas are not dual-intent.)
In any case, certainly a step in the right direction.
Actually they do. The last paragraph says that they are making EB1 visas (which is the green card version of the O1) easier to get:
Another revision announced Tuesday will ease requirements for applicants of an EB-1 work visa, which is issued to researchers and professors with extraordinary ability. To qualify, applicants for the visas currently must submit awards, scholarly articles and a host of evidence to prove their outstanding recognition in and contribution to a particular field. The new rule will allow applicants to present comparable evidence that is acceptable, the official said.
For entrepreneurs this is the most exciting development in these proposals as it should make the path to getting a green card easier.
I don't think the government wants to advertise how much easier O-1 visas can be obtained by celebrities and models, than other visas can be obtained by scientists and engineers.
8 C.F.R. 214.2(o) (13) “Effect of approval of a permanent labor certification or filing of a preference petition on O classification. The approval of a permanent labor certification or the filing of a preference petition for an alien shall not be a basis for denying an O–1 petition, a request to extend such a petition, or the alien's application for admission, change of status, or extension of stay. The alien may legitimately come to the United States for a temporary period as an O–1 nonimmigrant and depart voluntarily at the end of his or her authorized stay and, at the same time, lawfully seek to become a permanent resident of the United States.”
(I'm guessing because O-1 visas are not dual-intent.)
In any case, certainly a step in the right direction.