The Computer & Communications Industry Association applauds the Senate for approving S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act. This comprehensive immigration reform measure contains provisions that increase availability of green cards and H-1B visas, enabling U.S. technology companies to hire and keep the skilled foreign workers they need to ensure that the U.S. remains the global center of innovation.
The following statement can be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black:
“Senate passage of comprehensive immigration reform is a major milestone as it shows that the gridlock that has long held our nation hostage to a broken immigration system can be resolved through leadership and collaboration. The Gang of 8 took up this difficult challenge and then worked with other senators through the amendment process to strengthen the bill and to broaden its support. The Senate is to be commended for its success in finding a way to address a critical issue that cannot wait.”
“The status quo on skilled immigration amounts to unilateral disarmament in the global competition for talent. Such talent is what fuels the innovation critical to our economic growth. We cannot afford to continue to limit our access to skilled foreign workers, many of whom are studying here at our universities, and the reforms in this bill will free our companies to hire those they need.
“With Senate passage of comprehensive immigration reform, the House of Representatives must now pass its own bill. We look forward to positive action in the House. The broken immigration system is something that will not wait and members of the House need to put aside politics and work together for the sake of our global competitiveness.”