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Lamar Smith
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Larger Reforms Needed for H-1B Visas

Washington, Mar 31 -

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.”