Immigration and Sci-Tech Workers (broadcast Friday, September 7th, 2007)

In this segment, we'll turn our attention to immigration policy and high-tech workers. Although the most recent immigration reform bill died in Congress at the start of the summer, the issue of immigration isn't going to go away. Under the current system, a limited number of highly-skilled workers can receive special documents, known as H1B visas, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. However, the workings of that system have been criticized on several fronts, with some arguing that many more skilled workers should be allowed visas, while others argue that the H1B system is broken and is being manipulated by companies seeking to hold down labor costs. In this segment, Ira and guests talk about the immigration issue, and how it affects the scientific and technology communities. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.