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CA Congressman Darrell Issa introduces bill to reform the H1B visa

An employee inputs information into a computer that helps track packages on the lower level of the company's pick module area in Ingram Micro's Advanced Logistics Center in Mira Loma, Calif., Tuesday, November 20, 2012.
Anibal Ortiz / KPCC
An employee inputs information into a computer that helps track packages on the lower level of the company's pick module area in Ingram Micro's Advanced Logistics Center.

With the topic of U.S. jobs filled by foreign workers fanning the heat of the presidential campaign, there's a new House bill that would restrict a controversial visa program for highly skilled overseas employees.

With the topic of U.S. jobs filled by foreign workers fanning the heat of the presidential campaign, there's a new House bill that would restrict a controversial visa program for highly skilled overseas employees.

The H-1B program is widely used by the technology industry and many large U.S. companies to annually bring in tens of thousands of foreigners, many from South Asia. But the program has its detractors.

U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, a Republican representing parts of Orange County and San Diego County, is proposing to change certain exemptions that allow companies to hire more foreign workers when qualified U.S. candidates are not available.

“First and foremost, this bill is about protecting American jobs," Issa said in a statement.

Read the full story here.

Guests:

Michael Hayes, Government Affairs Manager for the Consumer Technology Association, an advocacy organization for the consumer tech industry

Ron Hira, an associate professor of public policy at Howard University, whose recent book, “Outsourcing America” (AMACOM, 2005), examines the economic and policy implications of the offshoring of high-skilled jobs

Vish Mishra, a venture capitalist and member of the Silicon Valley-based nonprofit organization, The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), which supports professionals and entrepreneurs with South Asian roots

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