Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Spencer Abraham (R-MI) have introduced legislation (S 2045) which would increase the number of foreign worker visas (H-1B) available annually. This legislation contains no anti-fraud measures and would result in depressed wages for American workers and reduced opportunities for American students. Currently, according to George Borjas of Harvard University, American workers lose about $133 billion annually in lost wages due to increased competition from immigration.

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that there will be 138,000 job openings in information technology fields over the next few years and, at the same time, 162,000 students will graduate with degrees in computer science, engineering and mathematics. This means there is already a projected excess of workers in these fields without an increase in foreign worker visas.

Support Future Opportunities for American Workers!

Alternatively in the House, Representatives Lamar Smith (R-TX), Tom Campbell (R-CA), Chris Cannon (R-UT), and Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), have introduced HR 3814, The Technology Worker Temporary Relief Act of 2000. This legislation would increase, only for FY 2000, the number of foreign worker visas by 45,000. In addition, this legislation contains anti-fraud measures which would help protect American workers and students.

While increases in the number of foreign worker visas often lead to chain migration and increased population growth, it is important to remember that an end to mass immigration is really the only way to stabilize population, protect American workers, and ensure opportunities for our children. An immigration moratorium, with an all-inclusive cap of 100,000 a year would provide a time-out from mass immigration and prevent incremental increases in immigration such as H-1B visas.

TAKE ACTION:

• Urge your Senators to vote against S 2045 because it will hurt American workers, depress wages, and lead to chain migration. Use facts from this Action Alert to write your Senators.

• Ask your Representative to cosponsor The Mass Immigration Reduction Act (HR 41) introduced by Representative Bob Stump (R-AZ) with amendments to include an all-inclusive cap of 100,000 a year. This would provide an end to mass immigration and help facilitate population stabilization.

• Support BALANCE’s Moratorium Now! Campaign. Your help is vital to the success of our campaign. Your support helps us produce educational materials and provide activists the tools they need as we work on a solution, together. Please contribute to this effort.

Contact Congress Today and Ask Them to Support an Immigration Moratorium