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Our Congress is absolutely CLUELESS about how to reform the H-1B program.
They still act as if it is an immigration program...but we know better.
I sent Lamar Smith another email this morning (see it at the bottom of this
message).
Below is the reply I got from one of his Washington staffers.
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Steve-
I received the below email from Congressman Smith's District Director xxxxxx
xxxxxx and wanted to send you additional statements from the Congressman
regarding the very issues you raise below.
To clarify, our legislation is a "temporary" fix (only 2 years) because we
want to give Congress time to address the problems you discuss. Congressman
Smith is very concerned (and is currently working on legislation for larger
reform) with the legal loopholes in the H-1B visa program. We feel that 1)
the program cannot result in the displacement of American workers; 2) the
program should prioritize American-owned companies over foreign companies;
and 3) if people come here claiming to be "high-tech" workers ... they
should not show up driving cabs or working as models three weeks later.
That being said, as you know, any legislative proposal (especially ones
dealing with immigration) take time given the political climate. With the
economy headed towards a recession, the temporary fix should help keep
high-tech companies going strong while Congress battles over the larger
policy issues.
The statement below was recently distributed and can be attributed to the
Congressman. I'd be happy to talk with you further regarding our proposals
if you'd like.
Best regards,
Kim Smith
Kimberly A. Smith
Communications Director
Republican Staff
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2008
CONTACT: Kimberly Smith, (202) 225-6906
LARGER REFORMS NEEDED FOR H-1B VISAS
Washington, D.C. - Ranking Member Lamar Smith today issued the following
statement regarding H-1B visa reform. On March 14, Ranking Member Smith
introduced a bill to address American companies' immediate need for
high-tech, specialty workers. The "Strengthening United States Technology
and Innovation Now Act (SUSTAIN Act)" raises the annual cap for H-1B visas
from 65,000 to 195,000 for 2008 and 2009.
"The American economy thrives on high-tech companies that require
high-tech workers to remain globally competitive. H-1B visas are necessary
to ensure that these companies have the resources and workers required to
succeed.
"Tomorrow, the FY 2009 H-1B visas will become available for high-tech
companies. Experts expect all 65,000 visas to be exhausted in one day. We
have an urgent need to expand the H-1B visa program temporarily in order to
ensure that high-tech companies can recruit and hire the most talented and
skilled workers in the field.
"This 'emergency fix' will also give Congress time to address larger
policy issues and concerns with the current H-1B program. For example,
while raising the cap on H-1B visas is important to remaining competitive in
the global economy, Congress must make sure that we do not displace American
workers in the process.
"Congress also must prioritize the needs of American-owned companies
over foreign companies. Currently, four out of the top five companies using
H-1B visas are foreign-owned. In reforming the H-1B visa program, Congress
must place the needs of American-owned companies before those of foreign
companies. I am also concerned that only about half of the current H-1B
visas made available actually go to information-technology workers.
"American companies lead the world in developing new technology and
high-tech innovation. The SUSTAIN Act helps companies fill immediate needs
now, while Congress considers larger reforms to the H-1B visas for the
future."
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Landess
Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2008 9:17 AM
Subject: Fw: Who Got H-1B Visas Petitions Approved Last Year? Look At The
List
All - (CC'd to Lamar Smith...who I will work diligently against in the next
election)
"Among the top 10 companies having H-1B visa petitions approved for fiscal
2007 are eight Indian firms and two U.S. companies, Microsoft and Intel."
http://tinyurl.com/2w3pyx
The American people (I like to call them sheeple) have been complacent about
this issue way too long.
Have you called your Representative and Senator to complain?
Do you send out regular pleas to your programmer friends and associates
urging them to do the same?
There are two bill currently pending in the House that will increase the
H-1B visa cap if passed by Congress.
The VERY SAME WEEK that Bill Gates pleaded with the House S&T Committee to
give unlimited H-1B visas and green cards to foreign workers, Gabrielle
Giffords of Arizona introduced a bill (the 'Innovation Employment Act') {See
what I mean about the word Innovation?} in the House.
This bill will double the H-1B quota:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,143475-c,techrelatedlegislation/article.ht
The other House bill (sponsored by MY Congressman, Lamar Smith) is called
the 'SUSTAIN' act, (and the I in SUSTAIN stands for INNOVATION) will triple
the H-1B quota:
http://lamarsmith.house.gov/read.aspx?ID=1036
Call your Representative and Senators today and tell them that you are
disgusted about this situation...
- sjl
midrange.com
