Rep. Lamar Smith Press Release.
Re: H1-B Visas.
Date: February 25, 1998.
Source: Office of Rep. Lamar Smith.

H1-B Issue is Tip of "Workforce Iceberg"

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Lamar Smith, Chairman of the House Immigration Subcommittee, issued the following statement Wednesday about temporary H1-B workers and workforce issues:

"Demand for more H1-B workers is only the tip of the workforce iceberg: To avoid sinking the American economy, we must address a broad range of workforce skill needs that are undermined by current immigration policies."

Chairman Smith cited the following:

• The U.S. currently admits almost five unskilled legal immigrants for each temporary, skilled H1-B worker admitted.
• Five recent studies from respected research organizations recommend favoring skilled immigrants over unskilled to meet pressing U.S. workforce needs.
• Competition with the large number of low-skilled immigrants has depressed the annual wages of Americans with a high school diploma or less by almost $2,000* nationwide even as low-skill jobs are rapidly moving to other countries.

(*Source: Center for Immigration Studies)

CONTACT: Allen Kay 202-225-4236.