Thread: Bill Gates Lauds US. Senate On Passage Of Immigration Reform

http://www.tradingmarkets.com/tm.site/n ... RY/265283/

Bill Gates Lauds US. Senate On Passage Of Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill

RTTNews) - Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect of Microsoft Corp. on Thursday applauded the U.S. Senate for passing the comprehensive immigration reform bill that makes prudent adjustments to the annual H1-B visa and green card caps for high skilled employees.

The Chairman of the world's largest software company said that the U.S. Senate has taken a critical step forward in its important work to ensure that the country remains the global leader in technology innovation.

Gates, the richest man in the world, said U.S. technology companies are currently facing difficult challenges in hiring and retaining highly skilled workers for key positions, which threatens their ability to innovate and compete, and ultimately to generate new jobs here in the United States.

Under current H1-B visa and green card caps, scientists and engineers who would like to use their skills to help U.S. companies succeed instead will work in countries where immigration policies welcome highly skilled workers, he noted.

He stressed that if the United States wants to remain competitive, it should be able to compete globally for talent.

"I applaud the Senate for recognizing that U.S. competitiveness depends on our ability to recruit and retain the world's best minds, no matter where they are from. In particular, I commend Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA. | charts | news | PowerRating) for his critical leadership on this issue. I'm hopeful that these crucial provisions will be included in the final immigration bill that emerges from the Senate-House conference and is ultimately sent to the president," Bill Gates said in a statement.

The US Senate passed a comprehensive immigration reform bill Thursday evening by a 62-36 majority. The proposed legislation strengthens border security, establishes a guest worker program and allows some of the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the US to embark on a path to citizenship.

According to the Senate bill, illegal immigrants who have been in the US for more than five years will be allowed to stay and fulfill certain requirements to eventually become citizens, such as paying a fine and back taxes, learning English and passing a criminal background check.

Those who have been in the country for less than five years but more than two years would have to leave, but would be allowed to re- enter as temporary workers with a chance of becoming US citizens in the future.

Illegal immigrants who have been in the country for less than two years would be required to leave, but could still apply for work permits along with all other people hoping to work in the US.

Granting illegal immigrants the possibility of citizenship is likely be most contentious when negotiators from the two houses of Congress meet to iron out differences in their respective bills.

The senators had sought to add amendments to the bill, including the building of a 600-kilometre triple-layered fence along the border with Mexico and some 800 kilometers worth of vehicle barriers.

The Senate also voted to exempt illegal immigrants convicted of a felony or three or more misdemeanors to be eligible for citizenship.

Of course he does he supports la raza too. I'm switching to apple.

What does he think..these beet pickers will be working for him at his computer company?

I'm ashamed I've been a Microsoft lover for years...guess I'll have to start using my MAC and dump my Xbox for Playstation.

What scares me is that someday all his billions are going to fund some far-left foundation. Soros on steroids, so to speak.

If the country I know isn't finished by then, that will seal the deal.