Politics & Government
NJ Leads Nation in Immigrant Hiring
Report: Dueling immigration reform measures in the U.S. Senate could affect future numbers depending on status of U.S. economy. Tell us what you think.
The most recent figures from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security show New Jersey companies have hired more skilled immigrant workers than any other state in the union, a published report said Sunday.
The 2012 figures, according to a NJ.com report, reveal New Jersey approved or extended nearly 46,000 H-1B visas for highly skilled employees, easily topping the visa requests of California (40,589), Texas (28,196) or New York (20,140). The visas are good for three years and may be renewed one time.
A majority of the immigrants were from India, China, Southeast Asia and Europe.
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While a bi-partisan group in the U.S. Senate continues work on immigration reform, two Republican senators have introduced opposing legislation concerning the use of skilled immigrant workers to help fill the need for workers.
A bipartisan measure introduced in January by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) would nearly double the number of visas from 65,000 to 115,000, with an option to grow the cap further if demand for skilled workers outpaces the supply, the report said.
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A countermeasure introduced last week by Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) would make it more difficult to import lower-skilled workers.
Should either Hatch or Grassley’s measures pass, it could mean trouble for New Jersey, the report said.
Meanwhile, the bi-partisan group’s measure is making progress, according to Sen. Robert Menendez.
“Through our discussions, we’ve found that there is actually a lot of consensus between Republicans and Democrats on this issue,” Menendez said, “and I am genuinely encouraged.”
H-1B applications will be accepted beginning Monday and William Wright, a spokesman the Department of Homeland Security, anticipates applications will outnumber visas before the week is out.
“The way the system works now, it’s almost like going hunting,” said David Grunblatt, the Newark-based head of immigration practices for the international law firm Proskauer. “You have to have a license and you can only hunt during the season. The real world doesn’t work that way.
TELL US: Should more skilled workers be allowed visas to work in New Jersey? Post your comments below.
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