Thread: Microsoft Paid Lobbying Firm $580,000 to increase H-1B cap

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/08/ ... 69722.html

Associated Press
Microsoft Paid Lobbying Firm $580,000
Associated Press 08.30.07, 3:15 PM ET
WASHINGTON -

Microsoft Corp. paid Paul Hastings Janofsky and Walker $580,000 in the first half of 2007 to lobby the federal government, according to a disclosure form.

The firm lobbied on immigration issues, according to the form posted online Aug. 9 by the Senate's public records office.

Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people ) is part of a coalition of tech companies and other groups lobbying the federal government to raise the number of H-1B visas, which allow companies to hire skilled foreign professionals for up to six years. The cap is currently set at 65,000.

Tech companies say they need such workers to stay competitive globally. Opponents have said raising the visa cap would lower wages and discourage American youngsters from pursuing tech careers.

Microsoft has previously said that about one-third of its 46,000 U.S.-based employees have work visas or are legal permanent residents with green cards.

Daniel Brown, former director of policy and planning at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is among those registered to lobby on behalf of Microsoft.

Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.

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