immigration reform

H1B Visas

The H-1B visa program allows American companies and universities to employ temporary foreign workers who have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree in a job category that is considered by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services to be a "specialty occupation." Supporters claim the H-1B program helps the American economy by allowing companies to hire needed foreign workers.

The reality is that too many H-1B visas are being used to facilitate the outsourcing of American jobs to other countries. Some employers have abused the H-1B program, using it to bypass qualified Americans. I want to set up safeguards for American workers, and provide much-needed oversight and enforcement of employers who fail to abide by the law. Our immigration policy should seek to complement our U.S. workforce, not replace it.

DREAM Act

The Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act, or DREAM Act, is a narrowly-tailored, bipartisan bill that would provide immigration relief to a select group of students who grew up in the United States, who have good moral character, and who are pursuing a college education or have enlisted in the military. In other words: if you came to the United States before the age of 16, if you have lived in this country for at least five years, if you graduate from high school, and then if you will complete either two years of college or two years of service in the military, we will give you an opportunity for legal status in America. The DREAM Act would also return to states the authority to determine whether to grant in-state tuition to state residents regardless of immigration status.