The Senate shortly is expected to consider the Travel Promotion Act (S. 1023).  Rumors are flying that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is considering adding that substantially will increase H-1B fees.  Senators such as Chuck Grassley (R-IA) will surely join Sen. Sanders.

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Organizations such as Compete America have already begun to work against these fee increases, arguing that an increase in fees will continue to make America less competitive, as talented international workers find options like Europe more accommodating and visa friendly.

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I've already explained why arguments that the H-1B is used to "steal" US jobs is a fallacy.  Likewise, most prominent economists contend that in modern economies jobs are created when talented workers are imported to supply shortage occupations.  At some point I hope that Congressional leaders listen to economists when creating economic policy.  To do otherwise is to open themselves up to xenophobic criticism.

-Chris Musillo>>

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