Execs favor easier immigration for skilled workers

(Moneywatch) The overwhelming majority of U.S. businesses favor immigration reform that would make it easier for people with science and other technical expertise come to the U.S., according to a new survey. But that consensus appears to break down when it comes to immigrants without those skills or those who have entered the country illegally.

The Duke University/CFO Global Business Outlook survey found that 88 percent of chief financial officers at more than 500 U.S. companies favor switching from the current lottery system of immigration to one based on merit. For corporate executives, such merit appears to mean having the right set of professional skills. 

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Slightly more than 80 percent of the polled CFOs think foreign undergraduate students working on degrees in science, technology, engineering or math should have easy access to the H1B work visas. These temporary permits allow internationals to stay in the U.S. as long as they are employed by the company that sponsors their stay.

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Nearly as many executives think the government should make it easier for those with or pursuing advanced degrees in these topics to become permanent U.S. citizens. Some 78 percent say people with these qualifications should have "easy" access to "green cards," according to the survey.

While the survey did not directly ask about the status of less-skilled workers, it did ask executives to respond to the question, "From the perspective of your company, what is the most important change that should be made to U.S. immigration policy?" Those comments, which were given anonymously, suggest that senior business execs are as divided about this as the rest of America. Among the responses to the survey:

- "In the Midwest, we have a shortage of workers. I would like to see a streamlined process that allows a qualified immigrant to obtain valid work permit. The lack of available labor is hindering manufacturers, construction companies in the Midwest."

- "Make employees in agriculture legal and allow them to work here and tax them and treat them like any other citizen except for voting."

- "Immigrants must have gainful employment within six months of entry."

- "Deport all illegal aliens. Tighten up e-verify. Strengthen [the Department of Homeland Security]."

- "The first step should be to fully control and protect our borders before any other action is negotiated or accepted."

- "Decrease the time required to process citizenship, but enforce the requirements."

- "Have a rational policy to admit immigrants, with a five-year provisional visa to allow them time to learn the language and citizenship requirements prior to taking a naturalization test. If they pass, they become citizens. If they don't pass, give them free passage back to their home country."

[MarkMallarde]

Newsflash: Most renters prefer lower rental prices.

Other newsflash: Car buyers favor a lower price for the same car.

[qyeteye]

A skilled worker is created. I want to help (executives of) US companies innovate in skills development and enable rapid share and use of workplace knowledge. Such can help our nation revive and grow jobs here as citizens need them. Examples of applications can be found at www.tdassist.com

[dman6015]

OMG! What shocking news! CFOs of major corporations want more H1B Visas to hire more low-paid foreigners. Instead of that, why don't CFOs and CEOs work with Federal and State governments to develop training programs and cooperatives FOR U.S. CITIZENS??? You cheap, profit-mongering b******s!

[Tank_Commander]

Of course they want it. The more lowest seniority new hires, the more authority and lower pay.

[kbbpll]

The H1B visa system is a racket. I know a guy from India who has worked for at least 6 different companies in 3 cities. All he has to do is keep working for the same subcontractor he originally got in with. None of these subsequent companies need to prove that they cannot find a qualified US citizen. These companies do it because it costs them less. This "shortage of skilled workers" excuse is a smokescreen.

[john80224]

Beyond just "a guy" over HALF of the corporate H-1bs issued last year were to offshore outsourcers. Allow me to reiterate, OVER HALF, that's more than 40,000 last year alone. This industry isn't just about "couldn't find Americans" but even "we laid off a of Americans".

[jtdev1]

I wonder what their definition of "Skilled" is.

Does it mean strawberry picker? tomato picker? carpenter? landscaper? Nanny?


Why don't we truly go global and open to boarders to everyone, including CEOs.

This is insane.

[john80224]

"88 percent of chief financial officers ... favor switching ... to [immigration] based on merit." In an unrelated survey, a similar percentage chose "cake" when offered "cake or death". What did this survey say about how the native-born workers in the meritorious fields feel about it? Of course C-levels want greater access to talent. It makes the talent pool cheaper and easier to be selective. Notice how 9% of them drop out once you start narrowing it to STEM--i.e., "I want more of whoever fits the 'merits' that matter to me."

Most proposed expansions of the H-1b are damaging to or even just short of a death sentence to STEM as a viable career in the US. Before we nail those coffins shut, let's stop making the program primarily about offshoring, discrimination against citizens and semi-indentured work conditions. Let's also address why it's barely of value to anyone who lives here to pursue advanced degrees in critical fields and why less critical ones are drawing so many top students.