By Will Sturgeon, 11 October 2006 15:30
NEWS
Former US secretary of state Colin Powell has warned members of the IT industry the country's visa policy could mean it misses out on some of the brightest overseas talent, adding they may choose countries such as the UK instead.
Powell said although all nations need to be aware of the risks at their borders, countries shouldn't make measures so restrictive they miss out on highly skilled immigrants or students who can deliver real value.
"If they are Muslim or they have the wrong name then they're getting stereotyped at the airport."
Powell said: "The visa system in America makes it too hard for foreign students," adding they may chose instead to study in England and boost the economy and skills force over here instead.
Delivering the keynote address at the Salesforce.com DreamForce conference in San Francisco, Powell said attracting students and graduates from Asia has also become problematic - a particular concern for high-tech and scientific industries, given the strong focus on those disciplines in many Asian schools and universities.
Touching on knee-jerk reactions in some quarters of US society, he said: "If they are Muslim or they have the wrong name then they're getting stereotyped at the airport."
He also said companies and educators should foster stronger links beyond their borders and share knowledge, saying "we've got to have more exchange programmes".
Powell's words follow comments made earlier this year by Dr Jim Goodnight, CEO of SAS, who said the US is shooting itself in the foot by restricting the number of visas it offers.
Speaking to silicon.com in June, Goodnight said: "You want to talk about some of the stupid things Bush has done? Why restrict the best and the brightest people from coming into your country?"
Comments
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1. anonymous
In the US there has been a long parade of government audits calling for reform in the system. It is filled with provisions to allow employers to abuse the system with impunity.
The visa cap is the only thing now standing between the American worker and financial disaster.
While the Powell and others may call H-1B workers "highly skilled", in fact, employers classify that majority of H-1B workers as being "low skilled" when making prevailing wage claims. That's why they are paid, on AVERAGE $13,000 less than their American counterparts.
2. anonymous
Colin Powell is falling into the same "short fix" trap as the UK government.
This policy, conbined with a longer working life, will put the older generation on the scrap heap.
The name of the game is "maximise your our internal resources" with "life time training and education".
Anyway, as we all know, in IT all you need is to be "connected", not import the human being with all it clobber.
This is "short term fix" followed by "long term disaster"
Thx
godricbj
3. anonymous
When the US government allows foreign workes into the country it takes away the incentive for American companies to train US workers to fill those jobs. It often results in foreign workers taking jobs at lower wages and it allows foreign workers access to any technology advantages we may have. Who's foot is being shot when that happens?
4. anonymous
Well more and more people who understand the importance of Skilled immigrants are coming forward to speak up. This is encouraging to see.
High tech skilled immigrants are asset to the nation. Go count number of immigrant employees in IT sector!
There are many myths being propogated by anti immigrat groups. To see the counter argument, goto Competeamerica dot org
5. white_trash
Are you kidding me? Every system in the country has loop holes. So does H1B. One bad apple doesnt make all apples bad. If an employer abuses the H1B program is that H1B visa holder's fault? Nah. Its fault of ignorant people like tancredo who want to close the doors into US for every one and do nothing. FIX THE SYSTEM. THINK SMART. Make the H1B independent of the employer and convert it into a temp work permit like UK does.
The whole idea of H1B program was to develop employers and not employees. If a business makes money, so does its stock holders like you. Wake up bro..
6. R B
Good to see person of Powell's strature understanding the need of the hour.
US needs high tech skilled workers specially in the field of Engineering, Technology and Science.
These professionals should be welcomed and be given Green Cards without much red tape.
Unfortunately more politicians discuss illegal immigrants than High Tech skilled workers.