All of America’s workers will win much-needed security and higher standards with the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act, bipartisan legislation introduced today by Senators Richard Durbin and Chuck Grassley.

This key legislation makes progress in combating fraud and abuse within the H-1B and L-1 temporary worker programs. Under current law, unscrupulous employers are given license to abuse these visa programs by exploiting workers, driving down standards and often facilitating the displacement of domestic workers and the outsourcing of jobs. This hurts all workers and gives these employers an unfair competitive advantage over businesses that play by the rules.

The H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act will enhance protections within these visa programs by: 

• Stepping up US worker recruitment and investment;
• Improving wage standards;
• Strengthening the Department of Labor’s ability to prevent and penalize obvious fraud and misrepresentation;
• Enhancing the Department of Labor’s audit authority;
• Provide H-1B and L-1 visa holders with job information and employer obligations prior to their entrance to the U.S.

 It’s time for our nation to put an end to employer abuse of these worker programs. Employers should neither be allowed to displace domestic workers nor intimidate guest workers and drive their working standards below those of the domestic labor market.

It’s up to Congress to reform the broken programs which it created and to make sure that all workers are treated fairly and that everyone’s workplace standards remain high.

Contact: Zack Pesavento: 202-637-5018