In several circles, the recent AG report which we discussed on Jan 4th and Jan 16th, has derisevely became known as the Grassley Report. In part, because Senator Grassley himself commissioned the report but, more importantly, and sadly, because it is a report that is so flawed in methodology, that if it were not a government product, it would be considered worthless. Senator Grassley is well known for his xenophobic policies and his stances that prevent legal immigration from flourishing but, that’s a political position, and although I may disagree with such a  position, I certainly support his right to hold and advocate for those positions. I presume that many of his constituents in Iowa share in those same beliefs. What is disheartening is that his political policies and his esteemed position as a US Senator have allowed him to manipulate various government agencies into creating policies and reports that start with the desired conclusion and then build upon half-truths, poor survey methodology, definitions devoid of any support in the law, and other tactics until, presto ! We have a damning report or memorandum that serves his political purposes. If only his talent at mudraking could be put to better use. For another opinion on this report, check out a recent post from the AILA leadership blog.

If you are looking for more information on the AG report which was recently released (refer to our post from 1-4-2012) please read the blog post by our friend, Angelo Papparelli, which ILW.com recently ran.

In spite of claims by protectionists (read Senator Grassley), the facts support a claim that immigrants contribute in a major way to US job growth. The NFAP released a recent study touting said facts. Now if only my copy to Senator Grassley’s staff would be read instead of being used as litter box filler, maybe we could see some rational pro business, pro job growth immigration bills get  fair  consideration.

In spite of all the rhetoric coming from the White House on increasing entrepreneurial opportunities in the U.S. for immigrants that create jobs for U.S. workers, the opposite is the reality, as this case reported by ABC News illustrates. One must wonder, who is in charge of U.S. immigration policy ? President Obama certainly isn’t ! Right now, the hard line restrictionists led by the esteemed Senator Grassley and his cohort, Senator Durbin would be proud of the closed door policy and culture of NO that this administration has achieved.

Kudos to Senator Grassley, his puppets at USCIS and other like-minded policy makers that have consistently created or applied policies that restrict and burden the use of the H-1b visa.  Oh how quickly our brilliant politicians and policymakers forget that Intel, Google, Yahoo, and eBay were all founded by immigrants in an era with LESS restrictions on the H-1b visa and LESS restrictions on the L-1b visa and LESS of a wait for a green card.  USA Today reports the story of SnapDeal a high tech company whose founder was previously in the US on an H-1b visa but decided to start his new company in India instead of the US due to H-1b visa restrictions. The company has grown to a size of over 400 employees.  But, hey we don’t need those jobs here in the US.  It’s time for Washington DC to wake up and recognize that there are economic consequences to immigration policy and the US economy is being negatively impacted by the current culture of NO !

As reported earlier this week, the Senate version of the Stimulus package contains restrictions on the use of H-1b visas by companies receiving funds. In typical Grassley fashion, the basis for the restrictions was short on facts and logic and long on rhetoric and 19th century protectionist thinking. The National Foundation for American Policy has created a nice 1 page briefon the topic.  Although the restrictionist language is not final until the House and Senate produce a single bill, it is unlikely that the provisions will be stripped in conference.  Although the impact of this specific provision may be minor, the attitude and fervor with which Senator Grassley continues to spew forth policies that restrict or eliminate the legal use of international workers is alarming.