WASHINGTON, D.C…. Information Technology Industry Council President & CEO Dean Garfield issued this statement after the introduction of bipartisan immigration reform legislation in the U.S. Senate.

 

“On behalf of the Information Technology Industry Council, we commend the eight Senators who came together, Republican and Democratic, to introduce the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013.  The bill’s introduction represents the true starting point of the legislative process -- a process that we hope reflects the bipartisan and collaborative effort we have seen to get to this point.  The high degree of bipartisanship is reason to be hopeful.

“Fundamentally, the bill reorients our immigration system in a way that serves our national interest by increasing our access to the world’s best and brightest job creators.  For example, the bill would significantly reduce the burdensome and counterproductive green card backlog, which is stifling the professional development of hundreds of thousands of skilled professionals.

“The proposed changes in our legal immigration system are important for one simple reason:  Immigration is innovation.  Every day that goes by without immigration reform is another day when new jobs and new industries start in foreign countries instead of within American shores.  If we want next-generation industries to be founded in the U.S. and not in our major global competitors, then our policymakers must seize this moment and produce legislation that all sides can support.  If done right, immigration reform will result in a stronger innovation economy for the U.S., with new industries, new jobs, and new opportunities.

“There is much to review in this bill.  We will take a close look at this bipartisan proposal, consider what, if any, recommendations need to be made to the Judiciary Committee, and continue to educate and collaborate while they legislate.

“Our goal is simple:  We seek immigration reform that will maximize skilled jobs created and work performed in the United States.  We can't reach that goal unless the actual legislative process begins.  It begins today.”

About ITI

The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) is the premier advocacy and policy organization for the world’s leading innovation companies.  ITI navigates the relationships between policymakers, companies, and non-governmental organizations, providing creative solutions that advance the development and use of technology around the world.  Visit itic.org to learn more. 

 

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