A measure to improve access to highly skilled workers cleared a major hurdle as the Senate Judiciary Committee passed its immigration reform legislation Tuesday evening. Shortly before the overall vote, Senator Hatch offered an amendment to the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act that would benefit highly skilled workers.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association applauds Hatch’s compromise proposal, and is glad to see it part of the overall immigration reform measure that the committee has approved. The amendment strikes a fair balance between the need for access to skilled foreign–born talent and oversight of the H-1B program to protect U.S. workers.
The following can be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black:
“CCIA has long promoted skilled immigration reform as critical to maintaining and strengthening the global competitiveness of U.S. companies in an increasingly innovative economy.”
“Beginning with the Gang of Eight agreement to introduce this bill, and continuing through the markup in the Judiciary Committee, this process has been one of balance and compromise. Passage of this amendment continues that productive approach by striking a fair balance in creating a system in which much-needed access to skilled foreign workers coexists with effective oversight and protection for U.S. workers.”