I like the idea of a points system like Australia has, but I'm wary of the excessive emphasis on STEM, and I'm even less enthusiastic about the idea of empowering universities to "sell" access to US residency and work rights through overpriced MS degrees, many of which are, frankly, bullshit cash cows.
Keep in mind, in Australia, plumbers and electricians get the maximum points for professional skills. So would nurses, pilots, and even lawyers (though they must be admitted to the Australian bar).
Hell will freeze over before the US lawyers who write the immigration system rules agree that foreign lawyers and patent agents should have access to the US job market the way they think STEM workers should.
Keep in mind, in Australia, plumbers and electricians get the maximum points for professional skills. So would nurses, pilots, and even lawyers (though they must be admitted to the Australian bar).
Hell will freeze over before the US lawyers who write the immigration system rules agree that foreign lawyers and patent agents should have access to the US job market the way they think STEM workers should.