Both Republicans and Democrats seek the big donations made by high-tech companies, said Norman Matloff, a computer science professor at the University of California at Davis. So they are much bolder than two years ago. He and other skeptics say too many programmers remain out of work, particularly older workers, and that industry favors younger and cheaper programmers from overseas. Critics also say that foreign workers have less leverage on the job than American-born employees because their stay is temporary. Congress instead should allow more permanent immigration that is based on skills, said Paul Donnelly, organizer of the Immigration Reform Coalition.
Most permanent immigrants come to the United States based on family relationships.
Many of the temporary workers plan to stay permanently but can't because of limits on permanent immigration, Donnelly said. Both sides agree that temporary visas are not a long-term solution. This can only be a short- term, stopgap solution. Return to top Click on banner for more information Making a Dramatic Difference. Treasures from Lost Civilization.