Thread: NEW FAIR PRESS RELEASE

New FAIR Press Release

Administration’s Sham Proposals Continue to Misread Public Sentiment on Immigration

October 17, 2005
In this update:

Immediate Action Needed to Stop Judiciary Committee Proposal to Increase H-1B Visas
Bush Administration Set to Testify on Immigration Overhaul
Frist Puts Enforcement Ahead of Guestworker Legislation
Sullivan to Offer bill to Secure Nation's Interior
Velazquez Seeks Welfare for Newly Arrived Immigrants
Upcoming Events
Immediate Action Needed to Stop Judiciary Committee Proposal to Increase H-1B Visas

In a bizarre twist of logic, the Senate Judiciary Committee is looking to the H-1B visa program as a way to help solve the federal deficit.

This Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to consider allowing 60,000 more H-1B visas to be issued per year for the next five years. These visas would be in addition to the current 65,000 a year cap and the 20,000 exemptions approved in last year's omnibus spending bill.

The proposal, backed by Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), authorizes 60,000 new H-1B visas and a new $500 fee, which Congress expects to raise $30 million annually to off-set spending in other parts of the federal budget.

The H-1B program is riddled with fraud, displaces American workers, and discourages Americans from pursuing careers in the high-tech industry. (Read our H-1B issue brief for more information.)

Our best shot at defeating this is on the committee level. If approved by the committee, the H-1B increase will be incorporated into larger budget legislation, making it very difficult to defeat.

Take action today to fight this outrageous proposal!

If your senator is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee (click here to find out), please call before Thursday and ask your senator to vote against the proposal.

If your senators are not on the committee, you can still help by contacting committee members and voicing your opposition to the H-1B increase. If they ask why you're calling their office, tell them that as a member of the Judiciary Committee, the decision they make affects the entire nation, not just people from their state.

Call the capitol switchboard (202-224-3121) and ask to be connected or find your senators phone number here on our web site.

Sample phone message:

"I recently learned that there is a proposal in the Senate to create 60,000 new H-1B visas as part of this year's budget process. I'm calling to express my strong opposition to this plan and to urge the senator to oppose it. The H-1B program is severely flawed and harmful to American workers, particularly those seeking employment in the high-tech sector. I understand that the Senate is considering raising the cap as a way of raising additional funds to help shrink the deficit, but this is not a viable solution. Balancing the buget on the backs of ever-growing numbers of displaced American workers is absurd. If Congress needs to raise additional funds, perhaps you could raise the fees charged for existing visas, including L visas. Such a solution would be much better for workers and the US economy."

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Bush Administration Set to Testify on Immigration Overhaul

After months of delay, the Bush Administration is expected to outline its latest plan to rewrite immigration laws in favor of more guestworkers this Tuesday at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled "Comprehensive Immigration Reform II." Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff and Labor Secretary Chao are slated to testify at the hearing, which will likely focus on competing guestworker bills offered by Sens. McCain and Kennedy and Sens. Cornyn and Kyl. The hearing will take place this Tuesday at 9:30AM in room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Read today's FAIR press release, "Administration’s Sham Proposals Continue to Misread Public Sentiment on Immigration."

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Frist Puts Enforcement Ahead of Guestworker Legislation

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) told the Washington Times last week that the Senate will tackle border security and interior immigration enforcement before considering any broader immigration reform/guestworker legislation. Frist said that while the Senate may not have time to get to the bill this year, they will pass legislation before adjourning next year.

The Washington Times also reports that new House Majority Leader Roy Blunt (R-MO) is also leaning in that direction. "Mr. Blunt's focus with respect to the immigration question is securing the border and enforcing the immigration laws we have on the books," said Blunt spokeswoman Burnson Taylor, adding that it's the top issue on his constituents' minds. "Mr. Blunt was in 10 districts in August, and whether it was in Michigan or Georgia or his own district in Missouri, it is the number one issue."

It's clear that both Frist and Blunt are responding to the constant drumbeat of immigration reformers across America calling for enforcement of immigration laws and securing of the borders.

Take this opportunity to thank Sen. Frist (202-224-3135) and Rep. Blunt (202-225-6536) for putting enforcement first. You can also share your opinions on how our laws should be enforced and/or reformed by taking Sen. Frist's Security and Immigration Survey.

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Sullivan to Offer bill to Secure Nation's Interior

Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK) is planning to introduce legislation this Wednesday to secure the nation's interior. Sullivan's forthcoming "Secure Our Nation's Interior Act of 2005" will include provisions to strengthen our deportation laws, promote state and local immigration enforcement and detention of illegal aliens, and bring accountability and security to the process of registering aliens who visit the United States.

FAIR will participate in a press conference to announce introduction of the bill on Wednesday at 11AM in room 122 of the Cannon House Building.

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Velazquez Seeks Welfare for Newly Arrived Immigrants

Rep. Nadia Velazquez (D-NY) introduced a welfare reform bill last week that seeks to repeal current law barring legal immigrants in the country for less than 5 years from receiving welfare benefits. Apparently, Rep. Velazquez believes these newly-arrived immigrants should turn to American taxpayers, rather than their sponsors, to bail them out of financial hardship.

FAIR opposes this section of Rep. Velazquez's "Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Recipients' Lifeline Act." American taxpayers should not be saddled with funding welfare benefits for immigrants who were allowed in based on assurance from their sponsor that they would not become a public financial burden.

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Upcoming Events

The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on "proposals for comprehensive overhaul of the nation's laws." When/Where: Tuesday, Oct. 18, 9:30AM, 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building. Witnesses: Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff; Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao, National Immigration Forum Executive Director Frank Sharry; Center for Immigration Studies Executive Director Mark Krikorian; Professor of Sociology, Princeton University, Douglas Massey
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce will hold a seminar on "Immigration Issues and Employment." When/Where: Tuesday, Oct. 18, 8:30AM, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 1615 H St. N.W. Registration information available at http://events.uschamber.com/conference/.
Americans for Immigration Control will sponsor a discussion, "Amnesty for Illegal Aliens," focused on key legislative elements of immigration revision legislation currently pending in Congress. When/Where: Thursday, Oct. 20, 4:30PM, National Press Club, 529 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. Contact: Phil Kent at 404-226-3549. Participants: Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-GA); Rep. John Culberson (R-TX); Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA); Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA)
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