Press Releases
Pascrell Introduces Comprehensive Bipartisan H-1B Visa Reform Package
Washington, DC,
May 24, 2007
Tags:
Homeland Security
In response to widespread abuse of the H-1B visa program, and its negative impact on America’s high-tech workforce, U.S. Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) and Steve LaTourette (R-14-OH) today introduced the Defend the American Dream Act of 2007. Originally introduced by Rep. Pascrell in the 108th session of Congress, the legislation would ensure greater protections and opportunities for domestic and foreign workers by strengthening federal enforcement of the H-1B program. “I am proud to introduce this legislation with bipartisan support and give Congress an opportunity to stand up for the domestic and foreign workers who have been exploited through misuse of the H-1B visa program,” stated Pascrell. “The H-1B visa program has been reeling out of control for years. It has done severe damage to our high-tech workforce. It has cheated foreign workers from fair compensation and has compromised labor standards. The federal government has a responsibility to harness this program before it stifles more employment opportunities for thousands of highly educated American workers. The H-1B visa program has the potential to complement our tech sector, but it must be administered properly and with strict enforcement. The unfortunate reality in our high tech workforce is a far cry from what Congress signed up for in 1990, and I am determined to change it.” “It’s about time we stood up for the American work force first and foremost,” stated LaTourette. “This legislation does just that by ensuring that good high paying jobs are not outsourced to cheap imported foreign workers.” Specifically, the Defend the American Dream Act would: The recently proposed Senate immigration bill proposes an increase in the cap on H-1B visas from 65,000 to 115,000 with some added protections. Though encouraged by the dialogue over H-1B enforcement, Pascrell expressed dismay over the Senate bill’s proposed H-1B increase. “As the immigration debate moves forward in Congress, I am committed to reforming the critically flawed H-1B program. The H-1B cap must not be raised until the Department of Labor can prove that it is exercising strong oversight and enforcement. The Defend the American Dream Act would initiate this enforcement, and until I see significant improvements in the program, I will oppose any proposed H-1B increase.” The Defend the American Dream Act has also been introduced with the bipartisan support of U.S. Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-03-CT) and Dana Rohrabacher (R-46-CA) ### |