Scare over H-1B visas continue

Wrong to replace US workers: Sessions

Washington, Jan. 12: The Trump administration will take steps, including pushing legislative measures to curb “abuse” of H-1B and L1 visas by foreign workers, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for the post of Attorney General has assured US lawmakers, moves that could significantly hurt Indian IT firms and professionals.

“It’s simply wrong to think that we’re in a totally open world and that any American with a job can be replaced if somebody in the world is willing to take a job for less pay,” Senator Jeff Sessions told members of Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing for the position of US Attorney General.

“We have borders. We have a commitment to our citizens and you have been a champion of that. I’ve been honoured to work with you on it,” Mr Sessions said in response to a question from Senator Charles Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Mr Trump has made tougher immigration policy a central theme since the day he announced his candidacy.

In the past, both Mr Sessions and Mr Grassley have worked together to bring legislations on H-1B visas that badly hit Indian IT companies.

The Office of Special Counsel for immigration related unfair employment practices is an office within the Justice Department which would be headed by Mr Sessions if he is confirmed by the US Senate. The office enforces the anti-discrimination provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

“Many US workers advocate that the layoff of American workers and the replacement by cheaper, foreign, H-1B workers constitutes de facto nationality based discrimination against American workers,” Mr Grassley said. “The Obama administration has failed to protect American workers. Will you be more aggressive in investigating the abuses of these visa programmes?”

Mr Sessions replied: “I believe this has been an abuse. And I have been pleased to support your legislation and some others too, that others have produced that I believe could be helpful. It needs to be addressed.”

It’s simply wrong to think that we're in a totally open world and that any American with a job can be replaced if somebody in the world is willing to take a job for less pay - JEFF SESSIONS Attorney general

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