Frances Cox 202/822-9491 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 24, 2009

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

Legislation Could Unintentionally Stifle Job Creation and Productivity Growth in America

Washington, D.C. – Compete America today issued the following statement on the “H-1B and
L-1 Visa Reform Act,” which has been introduced by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Charles Grassley (R-IA).

“We appreciate and strongly support initiatives to improve the integrity of the H-1B and L visa programs as well as efforts to reduce fraud and abuse in the legal immigration system.  Senators Durbin and Grassley have offered a well intentioned bill that seeks to accomplish these goals, yet we are concerned that several provisions in the legislation will make the H-1B and L visa programs unusable – which risks stifling job creation and productivity growth here in the United States. 

“Compete America member companies 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. Overly restrictive provisions, like some of those contained in this legislation, will undermine legitimate uses of the H-1B and L visa programs and will further inhibit American innovation to the great detriment of current efforts to reenergize the American economy.

“We agree with Senators Durbin and Grassley that hiring U.S. workers should be a priority.  The H-1B and L visa programs must serve the interests of the U.S. economy.

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

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.

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