Eric Thomas or Frances Cox 202-822-9491 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 13, 2007

Durbin-Grassley Bill Would Restrict Legitimate Employers' Use of Key Visa Programs

Washington, D.C. – Compete America issued the following statement in regard to “The H-1B and L-1 Visa Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act of 2007” (S. 1035), as introduced by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Charles Grassley (R-IA).

“Senators Durbin and Grassley have offered a well-intentioned bill that, if enacted, would unnecessarily restrict legitimate use of the H-1B and L visa programs by U.S. employers.

“The members of Compete America have always stated that no level of H-1B or L visa fraud or abuse is acceptable, and the vast majority of U.S. employers go to great effort and expense to comply with program requirements. Abuse of either program is the exception rather than the rule.  Additional enforcement measures must therefore be carefully tailored to specific enforcement goals.  Overly broad enforcement provisions, as contained in this legislation, will undermine legitimate uses of the H-1B and L visa programs and will further inhibit American competitiveness – ultimately driving more U.S. jobs overseas.

“While the members of Compete America agree with Senators Durbin and Grassley that hiring U.S. workers should be a priority – it is already the practice of our companies to do just that.  However, America’s need for highly skilled workers has never been greater, and for many positions, the domestic talent supply simply is not sufficient.  Until the U.S. education system is producing enough students seeking careers in engineering and the sciences, we must also rely on highly educated foreign-born workers to fill many critical positions.

“Compete America appreciates the interest of both Senators and looks forward to working closely with them as the debate continues.”

For more information on how highly educated immigration benefits America, please visit www.competeamerica.org. 

Compete America (www.competeamerica.org) is a coalition of corporations, educators, research institutions and trade associations concerned about legal, employment-based immigration and committed to ensuring that the United States has the highly educated workforce necessary to ensure continued innovation, job creation and leadership in a worldwide economy.