Speech #1050139627

I think the record is pretty clear that the temporary use of a limited amount of foreign talentmany of whom have attended U.S. universities and graduate schoolscreates more. not fewer jobs for Americans. It also insures that American employers do not move to other countries with more and cheaper labor. Second. there are already important limits in the law to make sure this program is not abused and that these visas are not used to hire cheaper labor. This bill enhances both the limits and restrictions on the use of these visas. But at some point. Mr. President. you can go so overboard that a program becomes a bureaucratic nightmare of regulation and it is just not worth it. particularly for small and medium sized employers. I think that some of the alternatives proposed herein response to a five year increase in temporary visas by about 25.000 a yearcross that line. Finally. as we debate these socalled "labor protection" provisions. I think we need a little perspective here on what aspect of our immigration policy really puts American jobs at risk. (A) We have hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants entering this country every year on top of the estimated 5 million illegal immigrants already here. (B) This Administration has a terrible record of failing to identify and deport criminal aliens who are released from prison and remain in this country. (C) We have a horrible situation of an inestimable number of smuggled immigrants being used as slaves and indentured servants. I think that these areas ought to be our principal focus if we want to protect jobs for American workers. not finding more bureaucratic hurdles for a small and limited program with a history and record of little abuse. I want to close for now. Mr. President. by recognizing the hard work and leadership of the Chairman of the Judiciary Committees subcommittee on Immigration. Senator ABRAHAM. I urge my colleagues to pass this important bill..