Response from Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren

[http://www.mail.house.gov/~ima_ca16]

December 1, 2005

Mr. Robert

where-I-live  

Dear Mr.:

Thank you for contacting me regarding H-1B and student 
visas.  I appreciate the time you took to share your views 
with me and I welcome the opportunity to respond.

Like you, I have grave concerns about unemployment in 
Silicon Valley and around the country.  The H-1B program 
should never be used to displace a U.S. worker.  Similarly, 
foreign student visas should not be used to replace better 
qualified U.S. citizens at our public universities.  

The H-1B program is in need of reform to prevent the 
displacement of U.S. employees.  Unfortunately, in the 108th 
Congress, the House Republican leadership attached a 
provision to the Omnibus Appropriations bill at the last 
minute (without allowing hearings to be held) to increase the 
number of H-1B visas.  I am still disappointed that House 
Republicans chose to move forward with such blatant 
disregard for standard legislative process, especially with 
such an important issue for our constituents.  As you may 
know, I voted against the bill.

Again, thank you for contacting me.  Please continue to 
contact me regarding this or any other matter of importance 
to you or our district.

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