Agencies Posted online: Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 1143 hours IST Updated: Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 1602 hours IST
Washington, June 14: A group representing US high-tech industries urged Congress on Tuesday to raise the limit on visas for skilled foreign workers, calling it critical to maintaining US leadership in science and technology.
AEA, formerly known as the American Electronics Association, said its study found an urgent need to reform the system for the H-1B visa system that allows highly skilled immigrants to work in the US for up to seven years.
The AEA noted that the current limit of 65,000 visas has already been reached for the 2007 fiscal year beginning October 1.
The group urged Congress to raise the limit to a minimum of 115,000 with annual adjustments upward depending on market conditions. The proposal is in line with those from President George W Bush and others who say the US needs more highly educated foreigners.
But the issue remains contentious and is being debated in Congress in the context of broader immigration reform. Some argue the H-1B visa has depressed wages for US technology workers.
The AEA report said a number of "myths" have been used to dissuade lawmakers from raising the limit, while arguing that expanding the program is needed to attract the "best and brightest" to the United States.
"For the past 60 years America has benefited from attracting many of the most talented minds on the planet," said William Archey, President and Chief executive of AEA.
Washington, June 14: A group representing US high-tech industries urged Congress on Tuesday to raise the limit on visas for skilled foreign workers, calling it critical to maintaining US leadership in science and technology.
