Source:
Information WeekThe SIIA blasts U.S. policymakers for increasing visa fees while their EU counterparts try to make it easier for skilled workers to enter.
October 29, 2007 11:14 AM
As the European Union cracked open its doors for skilled workers, the U.S. Senate voted to approve a $3,500 fee increase for U.S. companies bringing them to America.
The Senate approved the measure last week, the same day the European Union announced a new "Blue Card" plan to issue temporary work visas to well educated foreign professionals.
Software & Information Industry Association President Ken Wasch said the U.S. action was "gravely disconcerting."
"With the drastic shortage of H-1B visas for temporary high-skilled workers and the backlog of employment-based green cards, the U.S. is already competing in the global talent competition with its hands tied behind its back," he said in a prepared statement. "This additional fee to hire specialized talent -- which often comes out of American universities -- sends yet another signal that our nation is not serious about being a world leader in technology and innovation."
Read more:
http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=202602865