[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 73 (Friday, May 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E958]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  NEED TO ADDRESS H-1B SHORTFALL IN COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM 
                              LEGISLATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 3, 2007

  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of 
comprehensive immigration reform that is tough, practical and 
effective. I urge my colleagues to work together in a bi-partisan 
manner so that we can move legislation to the floor as soon as 
possible.
  Our inability to solve the Nation's immigration crisis is taking a 
major toll on the high-tech business sector and crippling their ability 
to have the workforce they need. As American companies struggle to 
compete in the global information-economy, they are continually seeking 
the brightest minds to develop new innovations and technologies. 
Sometimes, those minds are in other countries. Many of these 
individuals studied at top U.S. colleges and universities but have 
returned to their native country.
  H-IB visas allow American businesses to hire temporary skilled 
foreign employees in specialized occupations when they are unable to 
find a qualified U.S. citizen for the job. These specialized 
occupations include architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical 
sciences, social sciences, medicine and health, education, law, 
accounting, business specialties, theology and the arts.
  Each year, the number of H-IB visas are capped at 65,000. 
Applications for 2008 were only open for 1 day, after 150,000 
applications were filed on April 1.
  Robert Breault, president and founder of the Breault Research 
Organization of Tucson, called the cap on applications ``a 
catastrophe.'' Southern Arizona's ``Optics Valley,'' as well as other 
high-tech corridors, depend on foreign workers with advanced degrees--
degrees often earned in U.S. universities--to supplement the workforce.
  Our high-tech companies are competing in a global marketplace. To 
keep pace, they must hire the best employees. As comprehensive 
immigration reform legislation begins to take shape, congress must 
ensure that the number of H-IB visas is increased.

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