Senator Dianne Feinstein responding to your message

[http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/~senator]

February 4, 2005

Mr. Robert
, Apartment 9
Hayward  

Dear Mr.:

       Thank you for writing to me about American workers and the H-
1B visa program. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the 
opportunity to respond.

	I am deeply concerned about the H1-B program.  When 
Congress approved an increase in H1-B visas in 2000, I voted in favor of 
the measure because it included protections for American workers which 
I advocated.  While in my view the protections could have been even 
stronger, I was pleased that the measure also included an amendment I 
introduced. This provided funds to the National Science Foundation to 
support private-public partnerships in K-12 education enabling these 
students to acquire a better understanding and appreciation of science, 
mathematics and technology.

	Because I supported the H1-B legislation with these protections, 
I take very seriously any allegation that American workers are being 
discriminated against, or that foreign-born workers are being given 
preferential treatment.  I do not support replacing American workers with 
foreign-born workers and I believe we must reduce our dependency on 
foreign workers. Frankly, I believe the H1-B program should be cut 
substantially.

	Please know that I will keep your views in mind as Congress 
discusses this important issue.

	Once again, thank you for writing.  I hope you will continue to 
keep in touch on issues of importance to you.  If you have any further 
questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, 
DC staff at (202) 224-3841.
			
			Sincerely yours,

			Dianne Feinstein
			United States Senator

http://feinstein.senate.gov

Further information about my position on issues of concern to Ca and 
the 
Nation are available at my website http://feinstein.senate.gov.  You can also 
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