U.S. Chamber Statement Supporting Lesser-Skilled Visa Program

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President of Labor, Immigration, and Employee Benefits Randy Johnson issued the following statement expressing support for the new lesser-skilled visa program that has been negotiated by the Senate Gang of 8 as a part of comprehensive immigration reform:

"To eliminate any confusion on the matter, the U.S. Chamber believes the construct for a new lesser-skilled visa category that the Senate Gang of 8 has developed is the blueprint for a sound and workable program for the business community. The new W-visa classification features a streamlined process for employers to register job openings that can be filled by temporary foreign workers, while still ensuring that American workers get first crack at every job and that wages paid are the greater of actual or prevailing wage levels. Importantly, this new visa structure sets the groundwork for moving forward with other important parts of immigration reform."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.